# NTSB SEA91LA055: Cessna 180, N7676A, Glasgow, MT, February 25, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 25, 1991, 16:10 local (23:10 UTC)
- Place: Glasgow, MT
- Coordinates: 48.099304, -106.840309 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0993&lon=-106.8403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41392
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41392/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA055

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICING.  FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE STRONG WINDS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE AREA AND TAILWIND CONDITIONS FOR LANDING AT THE ONLY AVAILABLE AREA.

## 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 - base leg/base to final
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (cause)
- Forced landing, descent
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER DESCENT FROM 5500 FT. MSL CRUISE ALT TO 3200 MSL TRAFFIC PATTERN ALT, THE PILOT APPLIED THROTTLE ON BASE LEG AND THE ENGINE QUIT.  HE WAS NOT ABLE TO REACH THE RUNWAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND ELECTED TO TURN DOWNWIND TO AVOID POWER LINES AND BUILDINGS.  THE ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND WHILE TRAVELING DOWNWIND, AND THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED.  THE ENGINE RAN NORMALLY WHEN TESTED AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7676A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32573
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-K 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Robert D. Fjeldheim
- Registered owner: Robert D. Fjeldheim
- Departed: GTF, GREAT FALLS, MT
- Destination: GGW, GLASGOW, MT
- Airport: GGW, Glasgow

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 449 total, 244 in this make and model, 19 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 27 °F, dew point 19 °F

## 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 19910225003489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910225003489A), Feb 25, 1991: Cessna 180, Glasgow, MT, Substantial damage. Engine quit turning base for landing. Stalled after clearing wires and impacted in field. No engine defects found.

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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