# NTSB SEA05CA197: Cessna 180H, N1037V, Yelm, WA, September 22, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 21, 2005, 18:00 local (Sep 22, 2005, 01:00 UTC) - Place: Yelm, WA - Coordinates: 46.882778, -122.583335 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.8828&lon=-122.5833&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 62533 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA05CA197 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62533/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05CA197 ## Probable cause The mixture control linkage separation as a result of a missing retaining nut and washer on the mixture cable attach bolt. Inadequate maintenance inspection and fences were factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - mixture control,linkage - separation (cause) - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor) - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - missing (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water collision with object, emergency landing - object - fence (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he had a hard time starting the engine. Thinking that it was still hot from the previous flight, he pulled the mixture to lean and the engine eventually started. The pilot then put the mixture control to the rich position. The engine run-up was accomplished prior to takeoff with no abnormalities noted. The pilot stated that after takeoff, at about 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a turn to an open field and pumped the throttle, then the mixture control. The engine started momentarily before losing power again. The pilot then landed the aircraft in an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several fences. Post accident inspection of the engine by a local Inspection Authorization mechanic found that the retaining nut and washer on the mixture cable attach bolt was missing. The mechanic operated the mixture cable and found that the lever on the carburetor did not move stop-to-stop. When operating the mixture stop-to-stop from the pilot's seat, the lever on the carburetor slipped and would not stay in preset position in relation to the mixture cable. Further inspection of the engine did not find any other mechanical failures or malfunctions that would preclude the engine from running. An annual inspection had been accomplished about 27 hours prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative On September 21, 2005, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 180H, N1037V, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 flight, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Flying B airstrip located near Yelm, Washington. The pilot initiated an off airport emergency landing to an open field where during the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several fences. The aircraft was substantially damage and the private helicopter pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was departing at the time with an intended destination to Spanaway, Washington. The pilot reported in a written statement that he had a hard time starting the engine. Thinking that it was still hot from the previous flight, he pulled the mixture to lean and the engine eventually started. The pilot then put the mixture control to the rich position. The engine run-up was accomplished prior to takeoff with no abnormalities noted. The pilot stated that after takeoff, at about 200 feet above ground level, the engine quit. The pilot initiated a turn to an open field and pumped the throttle, then the mixture control. The engine started momentarily before losing power again. The pilot then landed the aircraft in an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several fences. Post accident inspection of the engine by a local Inspection Authorization mechanic found that the retaining nut and washer on the mixture cable attach bolt was missing. The mechanic operated the mixture cable and found that the lever on the carburetor did not move stop-to-stop. When operating the mixture stop-to-stop from the pilot's seat, the lever on the carburetor slipped and would not stay in preset position in relation to the mixture cable. Further inspection of the engine did not find any other mechanical failures or malfunctions that would preclude the engine from running. The pilot had recently purchased this aircraft and was taking instruction for the single-engine land rating. The pilot stated that the last annual inspection on the aircraft and engine was approximately 27 hours prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1037V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1037V), registered now, S/N 18051989, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 180H - Registry model: [Cessna 180H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180h) (registry code 2072618) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18051989 - Engines: Continental O-470-R reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Donald R. Taylor - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: Yelm, WA - Destination: S44, Spanaway, WA - Airport: NONE, Flying B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; private; medical: class 3; flight hours: 1,000 total, 20 in this make and model, 75 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20050921022399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050921022399A), Sep 21, 2005: Cessna 180H, Yelm, WA, Substantial damage. (-23) On September 21, 2005, approximately 1955 PDT, a CE-180-H, N1037V, registered to and being flown by the pilot [privacy data omitted] a us registered… ## Other investigations on N1037V (1) 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. - [NTSB WPR27LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR27LA017), Oct 9, 2026: Cessna 180H (N1037V), Lewistown, MT, investigation ongoing 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.