Introduction
On August 30, 2008, at approximately 1750 central daylight time, a Cessna 182A, registration N5927B, operated by Skydive Kentucky, LLC, experienced a loss of engine power during approach to Addington Field Airport (EKX) in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The airplane touched down short of the runway and sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local skydive flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight had originated from EKX about 1726.
Flight Details
According to the pilot, prior to his first skydive flight that day in the accident airplane, 6.0 gallons of fuel were added to each fuel tank. Using the provided dipstick, he determined each tank contained between 7.0 and 7.5 gallons of usable fuel. The first flight was uneventful. After landing, he began to secure the engine for refueling but was motioned by company personnel to keep the engine running, which he did. He was verbally told he had enough fuel for a second load of skydivers. The airplane remained on the ground for 1 to 2 minutes with the engine running while the second load boarded.
For the second flight, the pilot climbed to 11,000 feet and remained at that altitude for 1 to 2 minutes for parachutist offloading. Afterward, clouds precluded a descent in the immediate area. He maneuvered to a clear area and began descending, proceeding toward EKX when below the clouds. Upon reaching the traffic pattern, he descended to 2,000 feet. At that altitude, the engine quit. He turned toward the runway, entered base leg, and initiated emergency procedures from the checklist to restore power, but was unsuccessful. Recognizing he would not reach the runway, he lowered flaps 10 degrees and performed a forced landing in a corn field.
Fuel Management
The pilot stated he was aware of a 10.0-gallon unusable fuel amount. Postaccident, a total of between 8.5 and 9.0 gallons of fuel were drained from the airplane. Following recovery, a replacement propeller was installed and the engine was started, operating normally.
FAA personnel reported that the operator was using an Owner's Manual for a 1956 Cessna 182 to operate the 1957 Cessna 182A. That manual incorrectly indicated the total fuel capacity and the unusable fuel amounts. The correct manual for the accident airplane indicates that the unusable fuel in each tank for all flight conditions is 5.0 gallons (10 gallons total).
Testing of the fuel dipstick and calibration chart, conducted under FAA oversight with the airplane in a normal ramp attitude, showed that with 2.0 gallons of fuel in each tank, the measured level was below the minimum specified on the calibration card—indicating no usable fuel. With 3.0 gallons in each tank, the left tank measured 1/2 gallon usable, while the right tank was below the minimum.
The pilot advised the FAA inspector and NTSB investigator that he felt pressure from the company to operate the airplane on two flights after adding 12 gallons of fuel.
Postaccident Examination
No additional mechanical anomalies were reported. The engine operated normally after the accident during a post-recovery test run.