On September 18, 1985, a Cessna 182N (registration N92746) operated by Thomas Graham was involved in an aviation accident near Panala, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a road while dealing with an engine that started missing, which led to a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with a row of trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft attempting an emergency landing on a road collided with a tree after the pilot applied power to clear a ditch, resulting in damage to the plane and its surroundings.
What happened
The aircraft was involved in an incident during a landing attempt. The pilot had elected to return to land after reporting that the engine started missing shortly after takeoff from a road used for landing. During the approach, the aircraft collided with a tree, which pulled it to the left off the chosen road surface. To clear a ditch, the pilot applied power, but the aircraft ultimately came to rest in a row of small trees.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the engine was conducted by a repair and parts mechanic. The inspection revealed no malfunctions or irregularities with the engine components.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on a road while dealing with an engine that started missing, which led to a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with a row of trees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Sept 1985 Cessna 182N accident near Panala, AL?
An aircraft attempting an emergency landing on a road collided with a tree after the pilot applied power to clear a ditch, resulting in damage to the plane and its surroundings.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Sept 1985 involved a Cessna 182N, registration N92746, operated by Thomas Graham, at Panala, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a road while dealing with an engine that started missing, which led to a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with a row of trees.
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