Cessna 182A N6324B accident near Casa Grande, Arizona

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during final approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while on final approach, he performed the landing checklist and confirmed that the carburetor heat was on. About 100 feet above ground level, he advanced the throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The pilot verified that the mixture, throttle, and propeller setting were in the full-forward position, but, despite his efforts, the engine would not restart. He subsequently initiated a forced landing to an open area. During the landing, the airplane impacted a ditch and nosed over. Seven gallons of fuel were found in the right fuel tank, and 11 gallons of fuel were found in the left fuel tank. A postaccident examination and operational run of the recovered engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although the reported weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at glide power, the pilot reported that he used carburetor heat, which would have prevented the accumulation of ice. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA408 for the full record.