Cessna 180 Skywagon
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 15600; Flight Crew Type 30
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
While on descent to my destination airport I experienced a total loss of engine power. At the time I had been receiving VFR advisories from Approach. I commented to them that my engine had lost power and that I now intended to divert to [a nearby] airport. I was given the CTAF freq. and told to change to 1200 on my transponder. I made all normal traffic advisory calls as I entered the pattern from overhead into the left down wind. I made a normal and totally uneventful landing after which I pushed the airplane off the runway onto a taxiway clear of all movement areas.Examining the airplane I drained fuel from both left and right tanks as well as the gascolator and found free flowing fuel. I discovered no oil leaks or oil on the belly of the airplane. I could find no defects. After the examining the airplane; it started normally after which I taxied uneventfully to the ramp. After consultation with several experienced IA's it was suggested that carburetor ice may have been the problem. I have flown the airplane several times since the 'event' with no issues.
C-180 pilot reported his engine quit for no apparent reason. Reporter was advised that carburetor ice was a possible factor.