CESSNA 182D near Batesville, MS — 2023-05-01

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while landing with a left gusting crosswind. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power during the go-around.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power during the go-around.

NTSB narrative

During a planned fuel stop the first approach was too high, so the pilot conducted a go-around and re-entered the traffic pattern. During the no-flap second approach and touch down the airplane bounced and a “significant wind gust” pushed the airplane to the right. As the airplane veered off the runway, the pilot attempted to go-around and added full power. The engine rpm increased momentarily, the pilot heard a loud “pop,” the engine sputtered, and then lost power. The pilot made a forced landing in the grass next to the runway during which the airplane impacted a drainage ditch and the left main landing gear tire separated. The right wing and lower fuselage sustained substantial damage. During a postaccident engine run, the engine started, idled, and accelerated without hesitation. Examination of the engine and related systems revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Although the 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. It is likely that during the attempted go around the pilot increased engine rpm too quickly which resulted in a backfire and subsequent loss of power. Wind at the time of the accident was from 290° at 10 knots gusting to 21 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 01 with a 20-knot crosswind.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have opted for a different landing technique or approach.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Video
• Photos
• 7 docket documents

Docket documents7

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PILOT'S STATEMENT - EMAILinterview
• MAINTENANCE RECORDSother
• METEOROLOGYother
• PHOTOSphotos
• VIDEO FILEvideo
• ENGINE EXAMINATION SUMMARYwreckage

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