Probable cause
Total electrical failure due to a failed voltage regulator and the pilot’s failure to maintain a proper airspeed during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
During cruise flight, the airplane experienced a total electrical failure. The private pilot diverted to the closest airport and conducted a no-flap landing, during which the airspeed was too high. The airplane subsequently departed the runway, struck a ditch, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
The voltage regulator failed a postaccident functional test. The accident is consistent with the loss of electrical power due to a failed voltage regulator and the pilot's improper execution of a precautionary landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA369 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bolivar, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Bolivar Muni (M17)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182P
- N-number
- N6KW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- 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.