2010 Cessna 182P accident at Herdade Cortes de Cima (D-ENEW)

Incident Overview and Flight History On the afternoon of 16 October 2010, the owner of a Cessna 182P, bearing the German registration D-ENEW, conducted a local observation flight over his private estate, Herdade “Cortes de Cima,” in Vidigueira, Portugal. The aircraft, which was normally kept at the estate's private airstrip, was used for patrolling and monitoring agricultural development. After being removed from the hangar, the engine was started and the aircraft took off from runway 31 at 16:34 UTC. Following takeoff, the pilot executed a 450-degree right turn at a low altitude, flying over parts of the property and a local reservoir. The aircraft then turned left to return toward the residential area, heading southwest at an altitude of approximately 185 meters (600 feet). During this phase, the pilot noticed the engine losing power. The engine subsequently stopped, and the propeller came to a complete halt. ## Accident Sequence and Impact While attempting to restart the engine using the starter motor and checking the fuel selector, the pilot did not realize the aircraft was losing altitude. The aircraft then collided with a tree, after which it crashed to the ground at 16:40 UTC. The total flight time was nine minutes. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft, with both wings separating and significant deformation of the fuselage and empennage. The engine was found seized, with a fractured block and the left magneto torn from its position. ## Casualties and Damage The pilot, the sole occupant, managed to exit the aircraft under his own power. He sustained minor facial abrasions and serious spinal injuries, requiring hospitalization. No other persons were injured. Damage to third parties was limited to broken branches on the tree struck by the right wing, which belonged to the same owner. ## Aircraft and Pilot Details The Cessna 182P, serial number 182-62589, was a single-engine, high-wing monoplane with a fixed tricycle landing gear. It was powered by a Teledyne Continental O-470-R25B engine. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid until 4 June 2011. The pilot was a 70-year-old Danish national holding a Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) with a total of 3,466 flight hours, including 210 hours on type.