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NTSB Report
January 22, 1994 · Cessna 182D · N8980X
Donalsonville, GA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 22, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Donalsonville, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 182D
Tail Number
N8980X
Operator
Shingler William M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL94LA042
THE PILOT WAS STARTING THE ENGINE PRIOR TO FLIGHT. AFTER HAVING SOME DIFFICULTY STARTING THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE BACKFIRED, THEN SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM THE INDUCTION SYSTEM. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE CONTINUED TO SPREAD, AND THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CLEAR THE INDUCTION SYSTEMS OF EXCESSIVE FUEL.
Full Narrative
On January 22, 1994, at about 1145 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182D, N8980X, was destroyed by fire during engine start at the Donalsonville Municipal Airport in Donalsonville, Georgia. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight to Albany, Georgia. The pilot reported that he had difficulty starting the engine. The engine backfired, and smoke and flames were observed coming from the engine induction system. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft, which eventually became engulfed in flames. The pilot was unable to extinguish the fire, which eventually destroyed the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 EST
Nearest AirportDonaldsonville Municipal (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182D
Tail NumberN8980X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorShingler William M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-L · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:48
Weather SourceWFAC