Accident Overview
On August 20, 2008, at approximately 1800 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna 182 airplane, registration N92780, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain near the Caldwell Municipal Airport (RWV) in Caldwell, Texas. The commercially rated pilot and a passenger both received serious injuries. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Farney Aviation Management Corp. of Georgetown, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight plan had been filed for the cross-country flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight History
The flight originated from Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR) in Houston, Texas, around 1700, with a destination of Waco Regional Airport (ACT) in Waco, Texas. According to reports, the pilot declared an engine problem and attempted to land at Caldwell Municipal Airport. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a light pole and came to rest in a baseball field. There was no post-crash fire, and no injuries on the ground were reported.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector responded to the accident site and conducted an on-scene examination. The inspector reported that the airplane was largely destroyed by the impact. Photographs were taken, and the wreckage was subsequently recovered to a secure facility for further examination.
On August 28, 2008, the NTSB Investigator-in-charge, along with technical representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturer, examined the wreckage at the salvage yard. The fuel selector valve was found in the "both" position. The airplane's Continental engine had been modified under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by Texas Skyways, Inc. to model O-470 UTS.
A visual inspection of the engine was performed, and the crankshaft rotated freely, confirming continuity. A thumb compression test was conducted, and the spark plugs appeared normal with light gray deposits. The magnetos produced spark at each terminal. The throttle control linkage to the carburetor remained attached. The fuel screens in the carburetor and gascolator were clear and free of contaminants. The oil filter was removed and opened, revealing no metal deposits. The inspection failed to identify any abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation.
Fuel and GPS Data
A portable GPS unit mounted in the airplane was downloaded. The data showed the airplane's departure from Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU) and a flight of approximately one hour and twenty minutes to SGR. The last route displayed on the GPS was the departure from SGR until the accident near RWV, approximately 58 minutes later.
Prior to its departure from GTU, the airplane was fueled with 24.72 gallons of fuel. An airport security camera recorded the refueling process. Review of the video disclosed that the pilot, after refueling, did not replace the right wing's fuel cap.
Photographs taken at the accident site show the left wing's fuel cap in place, but the right wing fuel cap was located on the ground approximately 4 feet in front of the wing. The photos also reveal two main areas of "blue streaks" on the airplane: on the right side fuselage behind the rear fuselage window, and below the right horizontal stabilator. These blue streaks are consistent with blue 100LL aviation fuel running back onto the airplane.