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NTSB Report
January 18, 1985 · Cessna 182A · N5162D
Wichita Falls, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Wichita Falls, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 182A
Tail Number
N5162D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW85LA097
PLT INTENTIONALLY RAN THE RT FUEL TANK EMPTY AND SWITCHED TO THE LEFT TANK WHICH WAS 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL ON TAKEOFF. PLT MAINTAINED A LEFT SIDE SLIP DURING THE LANDING APCH TO COMPENSATE FOR X-WIND CONDITIONS. PLT STATED, AT 400 FT AGL HE NOTICED A PWR LOSS. UNABLE TO GLIDE TO THE RWY, A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD. PERSONS KNOWLEDGABLE OF THIS ACFT STATED THE ENG WILL QUIT IF THE FUEL TANK WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE DIRECTION OF THE SIDE SLIP IS NOT FULL. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OCCURS DUE TO THE FUEL TANK OUTLET LINE BECOMING UNPORTED THUS ALLOWING AIR TO ENTER THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
PLT INTENTIONALLY RAN THE RT FUEL TANK EMPTY AND SWITCHED TO THE LEFT TANK WHICH WAS 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL ON TAKEOFF. PLT MAINTAINED A LEFT SIDE SLIP DURING THE LANDING APCH TO COMPENSATE FOR X-WIND CONDITIONS. PLT STATED, AT 400 FT AGL HE NOTICED A PWR LOSS. UNABLE TO GLIDE TO THE RWY, A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD. PERSONS KNOWLEDGABLE OF THIS ACFT STATED THE ENG WILL QUIT IF THE FUEL TANK WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE DIRECTION OF THE SIDE SLIP IS NOT FULL. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OCCURS DUE TO THE FUEL TANK OUTLET LINE BECOMING UNPORTED THUS ALLOWING AIR TO ENTER THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:55 CST
Nearest AirportWichita Valley (0nm SE)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182A
Tail NumberN5162D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind200° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 27 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:52
Weather SourceWFAC