# NTSB NYC96LA059: Cessna 180D, N6423X, Islesboro, ME, February 5, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 5, 1996, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC) - Place: Islesboro, ME - Location: 44.3084° N, 68.9034° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Islesboro, ME, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3084&lon=-68.9034&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 20, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39147 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC96LA059 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39147/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA059 ## Probable cause a loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with object, emergency landing after takeoff - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot/owner stated that the preflight and engine run-up were normal, and he departed from runway 19 which is 2400 feet long. At approximately 500 feet above the ground, the airplane's engine began to run rough. The pilot reversed course to make a forced landing on runway 1 with a 10 knot tailwind. The engine subsequently lost complete power; however, a burst of power occurred afterwards. According to the pilot, the airplane overshot the runway. He avoided power lines, and then the aircraft 'mushed' into trees about 1/4 mile north of the runway. A witnesses observed black smoke coming from the engine during the airplane's return to the airport. Examination of the engine and the fuel system revealed no evidence of malfunction. ## Factual narrative On February 5, 1996, at 1415 eastern standard time, a Cessna 180D, N6423X, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from the Islesboro Airport, Islesboro, Maine. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personnel flight that originated at Islesboro, at 1410. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the pre-flight and engine run-up were normal. He departed from runway 19 at the Islesboro Airport (57B), and at approximately 500 feet above the ground, the airplane's engine began to run rough. The pilot initiated a right turn back to the airport, and the engine continued to run rough while the airplane climbed to 800 feet. This was followed by a complete loss of engine power as the airplane was approaching runway 01. The pilot further stated: "...Intersected runway at 45 degree, descending, no power, with tailwind of 10 knots. Very difficult...to make left turn northbound to rwy 1. Nearly hit tree tops on east side of runway, was just regaining control...when engine gave an unexpected burst of power. This changed my mind to think of flying out to the water and landing on the frozen...bay...but power lasted perhaps 4 seconds, enough to gain 50 feet of altitude so that we were able to miss several power lines and fly, mush, into the tops of a stand of [trees]..." The airplane then collided with trees about 1/4 mile north of the runway. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector's report, a witnesses observed black smoke coming from the engine during the airplane's return to the airport. Examination of the engine and the fuel system revealed, "...No direct evidence to establish the reason for the engine exhausting black smoke during this event..." ## Aircraft - Registration: N6423X (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Cessna 180D - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18050923 - Airframe hours: 1791 - Engines: Continental O-470R-6 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: John Higginson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 27, 1995, 15 hours before - Departed: 57B - Airport: 57B, Isleboro, runway 1, 2,400 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 790 total, 426 in this make and model, 621 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 14 °F, dew point -0 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: RKD, 19 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 19960205030059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960205030059A), Feb 5, 1996: Cessna 180D, Islesboro, ME, Substantial damage. Rough engine on climbout. Turned back landing downwind. Too high and fast struck trees. Black smoke reported. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.