Monday, December 16, 2019

Fuel Exhaustion: Cessna 180 Skywagon, C-GODA; accident occurred September 05, 2018 near Richmond International Airport (KRIC), Virginia

View of damaged right wing. 
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca




Location: Richmond, VA
Accident Number: GAA18CA537
Date & Time: 09/05/2018, 1300 EDT
Registration: C-GODA
Aircraft: Cessna 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot reported that, on the final approach, about 4 miles from the runway, the engine had a total power loss. He diverted to an open field but during the approach, the airplane struck a powerline and impacted the field.

The pilot further reported that his fuel computer indicated that he should have landed with 30 minutes of fuel reserves and he thought he had enough fuel to complete the flight. He added that he should have diverted to refuel.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.



Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/11/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 8700 hours (Total, all aircraft), 185 hours (Total, this make and model), 4500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: C-GODA
Model/Series: 180 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31434
Landing Gear Type: Amphibian; Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/04/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2950 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2999 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO 470 J
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None


Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRIC, 163 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1740 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 172°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Oshawa, ON (CY00)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Richmond, VA (RIC)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0915 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: RICHMOND INTL (RIC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 167 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 20
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6607 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.539167, -77.325833 (est)

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