# NTSB MIA85FA098: Cessna 182A, N3891D, Williston, FL, February 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 17, 1985, 12:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Williston, FL
- Coordinates: 29.369482, -82.4505 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3695&lon=-82.4505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31228
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85FA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31228/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA098

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fluid - starvation
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - stall/mush - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR ON 'BOTH' AND AT 300 FEET AGL SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO 'LEFT'. THE SELECTOR WAS STILL ON 'LEFT' WHEN ENGINE LOST POWER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BASE LEG. THE PLT TRIED TO REACH THE RWY BUT COLLIDED WITH EDGE OF LIMESTONE PIT ABOUT 1000 FT FROM THE APCH END OF RWY. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED LEFT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THERE WERE APRX 4 GALS IN THE RIGHT TANK. EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THE ACFT CRASHED IN A VERY STEEP FLT PATH, SLIGHTLY NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE AND ALMOST NO FORWARD VELOCITY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3891D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3891D-2012-11-14), registration cancelled 2012-11-14, S/N 34591, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182A
- Registry model: [Cessna 182A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182a) (registry code 2072704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34591
- Airframe hours: 30234
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Williston Skydivers,Inc
- Registered owner: Gene E. Strickland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 3, 1984, 78 hours before
- Airport: X60, Williston Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 558 total, 38 in this make and model, 413 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GNV, 22 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850217003299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850217003299A), Feb 17, 1985: Cessna 182A, Williston, FL, Destroyed. The engine failed on approach and the aircraft impacted the ground. Carburetor heat not used on descent.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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