Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Night Flight Leads to Nose-Over Landing (N2486Q)

Mansfield, TX, US

On February 11, 1991, a Cessna 182K (registration N2486Q) operated by Gregory A. Otto was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Catastrophic failure in the number two cylinder due to disintegration of the piston assembly, resulting in complete loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night flight, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure of the number two cylinder, causing total power loss. The pilot selected unsuitable terrain for landing, and the airplane nosed over to an inverted position.

Accident Overview

A local night flight ended with the aircraft inverted after the pilot executed a forced landing on unsuitable terrain. The sole cause of the power loss was a catastrophic mechanical failure within the engine.

Engine Failure

The engine experienced a catastrophic failure in the number two cylinder. The piston assembly disintegrated, leading to a complete loss of engine power. The engine had completed an annual inspection just four hours prior to the flight, performed by a contracted airframe and powerplant mechanic.

Forced Landing

Following the power loss, the pilot selected what appeared to be the only available terrain for landing. However, the landing area proved unsuitable. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.

Post-Accident Inspection

The accident occurred shortly after the engine's annual inspection. No other details regarding the inspection or its findings are provided in the source.

Probable cause

Catastrophic failure in the number two cylinder due to disintegration of the piston assembly, resulting in complete loss of engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Feb 1991 Cessna 182K accident near Mansfield, TX?

During a night flight, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure of the number two cylinder, causing total power loss. The pilot selected unsuitable terrain for landing, and the airplane nosed over to an inverted position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Feb 1991 involved a Cessna 182K, registration N2486Q, operated by Gregory A. Otto, at Mansfield, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Catastrophic failure in the number two cylinder due to disintegration of the piston assembly, resulting in complete loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16448. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.