Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

March 30, 1994 · Cessna 180 · N4646B

Austin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Austin, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Tail Number
N4646B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA112

FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE PILOT SWITCHED FUEL SELECTORS FROM THE BOTH POSITION TO THE LEFT TANK AND ATTEMPTED AN ENGINE RESTART. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER LINE AND DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL TO GROUND IMPACTED .25 MILES SHORT OF THE THRESHOLD. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT TANK CONTAINED 2.5 GALLONS OF FUEL AND THE LEFT TANK 6.5 GALLONS OF FUEL. TWO AND ONE HALF GALLONS IN EACH TANK IS UNUSABLE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. FACTORS WERE THE WIRE STRIKE AND LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN.

Full Narrative

On March 30, 1994, at 1554 central standard time, a Cessna 180, N4646B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Austin, Texas. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that on final approach the aircraft lost engine power. He further stated that he could not reach the runway and impacted the ground approximately a quarter of a mile short of the runway. At the time of the loss of engine power the fuel selector was in the both position and was switched to the left tank. During the interview the pilot further stated that he attempted to restart the engine but was unable to do so. An inspection of the accident scene revealed that the airplane struck a power line. The pilot reported following the wire strike the aircraft turned left and impacted the ground. An inspection of the airplane revealed that the left wing contained 6.5 gallons of fuel and the right contained 2.5 gallons of fuel. The inspection also revealed that the engine exhibited no damage and there was no evidence of a fuel leak. A check of the manufacturer's specifications revealed that each wing had 2.5 gallons of unusable fuel. During the inspection it was determined that the wings and structural portions of the aircraft had sustained damage. Followup testing included an engine run. The engine started without problems. The engine was cycled through the RPM ranges and it continued to run without any malfunctions. The aircraft was released to the owner.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:54 CST
Nearest AirportRobert Mueller (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length5006 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180
Tail NumberN4646B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 470J · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data