Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that about 2 miles east of the destination airport the engine began to run rough. He elected to make a precautionary landing to an open field, while on approach to land, the engine lost all power. During the landing roll the airplane impacted a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel. The pilot stated that during his preflight inspection, he did not visually verify the fuel levels in the fuel tanks and relied on the fuel analyzer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA298 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ilwaco, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Port Of Ilwaco (7W1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built 185A
- N-number
- N186X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1962
- 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.