What happened
On October 16, 2010, the owner of a Cessna 182P, registration D-ENEW, conducted a local observation flight over his estate, "Cortes de Cima," near Vidigueira, Portugal. The flight was intended for aerial photography of the property.
Shortly after takeoff, while performing a low-altitude turn at approximately 185 meters (600 feet), the engine began to lose power and eventually ceased functioning, causing the propeller to stop rotating. While the pilot attempted to restart the engine using the starter motor, he became preoccupied with the cockpit instruments and lost situational awareness. During this period, the aircraft drifted into a tree, causing a violent impact that destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the pilot sustaining severe spinal injuries and facial abrasions.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the engine's lubrication system and the maintenance performed prior to the flight. Investigators examined the engine, which was found to be seized with a fractured block and a detached left magneto.
Technical analysis revealed that the pilot had personally replaced the oil filter four days before the accident. However, the replacement was performed incorrectly: the pilot did not use a torque wrench to meet manufacturer specifications and failed to perform a static engine run to check for leaks. Evidence showed that during the engine start prior to takeoff, the engine's oil was entirely expelled onto the ground, a significant anomaly that went unnoticed by the pilot.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the engine failure resulting from a total loss of lubricating oil.
- The improper installation of the oil filter, specifically the failure to apply the recommended torque and the lack of a post-maintenance leak check, allowed the oil to escape.
- The pilot failed to monitor engine parameters, such as oil pressure and temperature, during the pre-takeoff phase and during the initial climb.
- The pilot's loss of situational awareness while attempting to restart the engine prevented him from executing a safe emergency landing in an area that was otherwise suitable for such a maneuver.
Safety action
- The GPIAAF issued a safety recommendation to the operator, advising that all maintenance work on the aircraft be performed by a certified maintenance organization capable of complying with aeronautical authority requirements and manufacturer best practices.