# NTSB MIA90LA110: Cessna 180K, N61714, Crystal Springs, MS, April 25, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1990, 08:50 local (13:50 UTC)
- Place: Crystal Springs, MS
- Coordinates: 31.979557, -90.349143 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9796&lon=-90.3491&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32648
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90LA110
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32648/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA110

## Probable cause

PILOTS FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT THE FUEL CAP WAS IN POSITION AND SECURED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THIS RESULTED IN FUEL SIPHONING OVERBOARD RESULTING IN THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,cap - not secured (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command
  - fuel system,tank - siphoning
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - sand bar
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

ABOUT 1 HR 5 MINUTES INTO THE FLT, THE PLT OBSERVED THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS RAPIDLY DEPLETING. HE EXECUTED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A GRAVEL PIT & AFTER TOUCHDOWN ON THE SHALLOW WATER, THE LT PONTOON SEPARATED. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE RT WING FUEL CAP WAS NOT SECURED. FUEL STAINS AFT OF THE FUEL TANK WERE NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N61714](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N61714-2014-12-22), registration cancelled 2014-12-22, S/N 18052791, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180K
- Registry model: [Cessna 180K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180k) (registry code 2072624) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052791
- Airframe hours: 2693
- Engines: Teledyne Cont O-470U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kirkman, Todd A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 23, 1986, 62 hours before
- Departed: HARVEY, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 700 total, 200 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JAN, 25 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 19900425011659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900425011659A), Apr 25, 1990: Cessna 180K, Crystal Springs, MS, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel on ferry flight. Left pontoon separated landing in a pond. Fuel cap not secured. Fuel siphoned.

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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