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NTSB Report
October 31, 1987 · Cessna 182A · N3804D
Laveen, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 31, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Laveen, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 182A
Tail Number
N3804D
Operator
Hoffman Don G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88LA029
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FERRYING HIS AIRCRAFT THREE MILES TO A PRIVATE STRIP. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER. THE PILOT DID NOT THINK HE COULD MAKE IT TO THE PRIVATE STRIP SO HE ATTEMPTED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. HE STATED HE WAS CONCENTRATING SO HARD ON THE DIRT ROAD THAT HE DID NOT SEE A SAGUARO CACTUS BESIDE THE ROAD. THE LEFT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE CACTUS. THERE WAS LIGHT RAINFALL AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED USE OF FULL CARBURETOR HEAT COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FERRYING HIS AIRCRAFT THREE MILES TO A PRIVATE STRIP. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER. THE PILOT DID NOT THINK HE COULD MAKE IT TO THE PRIVATE STRIP SO HE ATTEMPTED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. HE STATED HE WAS CONCENTRATING SO HARD ON THE DIRT ROAD THAT HE DID NOT SEE A SAGUARO CACTUS BESIDE THE ROAD. THE LEFT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE CACTUS. THERE WAS LIGHT RAINFALL AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED USE OF FULL CARBURETOR HEAT COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:50 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182A
Tail NumberN3804D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHoffman Don G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-L · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC