Probable cause
An in-flight fire and a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was taking photographs over a remote area. About 20 minutes into the flight, he noticed the smell of smoke in the cockpit and immediately began a return to the airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to lose power, and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He performed a forced landing in an area of heavily wooded terrain. After the airplane came to rest, the pilot stated that there was a small fire in the engine cowling that he was able to extinguish by packing snow into the cowling.
Due to the remote location of the accident site, the airplane was not recovered or examined after the accident, and the reason for the fire and loss of engine power could not be determined. .
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15LA011 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 9, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glennallen, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N9280C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.