FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Prompts Forced Landing After Sparks and Cylinder Loss (N9318R)

EL Dorado, AR, US

On January 6, 2004, a Cessna 182RG (registration N9318R) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Dorado, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power as a result of loss of engine oil due to the failure of the oil filter converter plate gasket and the noncompliance to an airworthiness directive. 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 dark night cruise flight, a pilot saw sparks under the cowling and lost three cylinders. The engine then lost power, leading to a forced landing with gear and flaps retracted. Post-accident examination found a gasket extrusion and evidence of non-compliance with an airworthiness directive.

Accident Summary

A pilot with 1,643.4 hours of flight experience was conducting cruise flight on a dark night. The pilot reported seeing "sparks under the cowling in front" and subsequently lost power from cylinders one, two, and three, as indicated by the engine monitoring unit installed in the airplane. Attempting to return to the departure airport, the engine ultimately lost power, forcing the pilot to execute a forced landing into a field with the landing gear and flaps retracted.

Examination Findings

An inspection of the airplane after the accident revealed visible oil streaks along the entire underside of the fuselage. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all control surfaces throughout the airplane. Examination of the engine showed that the oil filter converter plate gasket was extruded in multiple locations.

Maintenance Records

An Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) had previously been issued requiring the replacement of the oil filter converter plate gasket. However, no entries were found in the airplane maintenance log books pertaining to compliance with this AD.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jan 2004 Cessna 182RG accident near EL Dorado, AR?

During a dark night cruise flight, a pilot saw sparks under the cowling and lost three cylinders. The engine then lost power, leading to a forced landing with gear and flaps retracted. Post-accident examination found a gasket extrusion and evidence of non-compliance with an airworthiness directive.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jan 2004 involved a Cessna 182RG, registration N9318R, at EL Dorado, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power as a result of loss of engine oil due to the failure of the oil filter converter plate gasket and the noncompliance to an airworthiness directive. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and the dark night lighting conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040109X00047. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.