Incident Overview
On March 29, 2008, at 1700 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182A (registration N5931B) experienced a loss of engine power while landing and was force-landed by the pilot approximately 1 mile north of Buckeye Municipal Airport in Buckeye, Arizona. The aircraft was being operated by Desert Skydiving Center under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, he was conducting a straight-in approach to runway 17 in very windy conditions. When approximately 2 miles from the end of the runway, the engine lost power. He applied full power, but the engine did not respond. Due to the wind conditions, he was unable to glide to the runway and subsequently landed in a field. During the landing in soft desert terrain, the nose gear broke off and the wings impacted the ground.
Fuel Examination
The responding deputy verified 5 gallons of fuel in the left fuel tank and 15 gallons of fuel in the right fuel tank. The pilot indicated that prior to the loss of power, the fuel selector was positioned on the right fuel tank.
Post-Accident Inspection
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane following its recovery from the field. The airplane was recovered with its wings and fuel system intact. The spark plugs were removed prior to the engine test run and they were light gray in color. The engine was powered using the airplane's fuel system. The venting system was examined and was free from obstructions. Optimal power was obtained and no anomalies were noted with the operation of the engine.
Summary
No probable cause was determined from the information provided in the source material. The engine performed normally when tested after the accident.