On May 3, 1989, a Cessna 182G (registration N3410S) operated by Montana-wyoming Systems, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near St. Xavier, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING FOR A FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING A FAILURE OF THE NUMBER TWO PISTON. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot searching for cattle at low altitude experienced engine failure after flying through a light rain shower. The aircraft stalled during a bank and collided with terrain, collapsing the nose gear. Post-accident teardown revealed disintegration of the number two piston.
Accident Details
According to the pilot's account, the flight was conducted at approximately 200 feet above ground level with 20 degrees of flaps while searching for cows on a ranch. The pilot reported flying through a light rain shower. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to miss, prompting the pilot to reduce power. As the aircraft lost altitude, the pilot added power, but the engine quit and smoke entered the cabin. The pilot banked the aircraft, and it stalled. The aircraft struck the ground, causing the nose gear to collapse. The wing then contacted sage brush, and the aircraft nosed down.
Engine Examination
A post-accident engine teardown provided evidence that the number two piston had disintegrated. The log books indicated that the piston had been in service for 662 hours.
What happened in the 3 May 1989 Cessna 182G accident near St. Xavier, MT?
A private pilot searching for cattle at low altitude experienced engine failure after flying through a light rain shower. The aircraft stalled during a bank and collided with terrain, collapsing the nose gear. Post-accident teardown revealed disintegration of the number two piston.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 May 1989 involved a Cessna 182G, registration N3410S, operated by Montana-wyoming Systems, Inc., at St. Xavier, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING FOR A FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING A FAILURE OF THE NUMBER TWO PISTON. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT.
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