N8980X – CESSNA 182D – 1994-01-22 NTSB Accident Report

On January 22, 1994, a Cessna 182D (N8980X) was involved in an incident near Donalsonville, GA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CLEAR THE INDUCTION SYSTEMS OF EXCESSIVE FUEL.

On January 22, 1994, at about 1145 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182D, N8980X, was destroyed by fire during engine start at the Donalsonville Municipal Airport in Donalsonville, Georgia. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight to Albany, Georgia.

The pilot reported that he had difficulty starting the engine. The engine backfired, and smoke and flames were observed coming from the engine induction system. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft, which eventually became engulfed in flames. The pilot was unable to extinguish the fire, which eventually destroyed the airplane.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ATL94LA042. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8980X.