Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182C near Crowley, LA — 2010-12-18

Final reportCEN11FA115
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Date
2010-12-18
Location
Crowley, LA, USA
Airport
K3R2
Aircraft
CESSNA 182C
Registration
N8556T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the magneto failure for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The flight departed to the east with four skydivers for a local jump. One witness stated that, immediately following the takeoff, about 200 feet above ground level, a "percussive" pop from the engine was heard. Two witnesses stated that the right wing dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane was quickly engulfed in a postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed a piece of engine isolator gasket had become wrapped around the carburetor main fuel jet and both magnetos distribution gear had cracked and were missing teeth. The damaged distribution gear teeth were consistent with damage found after an engine experiences a backfire. It could not be determined which magneto failed first or if they both failed simultaneously. The cause of the backfire could not be determined. Further examination of the engine, airframe, and remaining systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine made a 'percussive' pop sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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