Pilot... Initiated A 180° Turn Toward The Airport When The Engine Lost All Power

Location: Columbus, OH Accident Number: CEN21LA265
Date & Time: June 14, 2021, 08:52 Local Registration: N13159
Aircraft: Cessna 180K Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 14, 2021, at 0852 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180K, N13159, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Columbus, Ohio. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that she took off uneventfully and executed a climbing right turn before leveling off at 1,000 ft above ground level. Shortly thereafter, the airplane’s engine sputtered briefly. The pilot contacted air traffic control and initiated a 180° turn toward the airport when the engine lost all power.

She checked the magnetos, but to no avail. Unable to make it to the airport, the pilot initiated a slight left turn towards an open field; she also noted that airplane’s radios turned off. The airplane impacted a heavily wooded area short of the open field and descended to the ground below. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov