What happened
On February 27, 2009, a Cessna 182M, registration N91593, crashed five miles north of Albany, Louisiana, resulting in 3 fatal injuries. The flight departed Slidell Airport (ASD) at 2309 for Marksville Municipal Airport (MKV). The pilot intended to attend a skydiving event the following day and had expressed concerns to an acquaintance that weather at the destination was expected to deteriorate.
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating under dark night marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. While visibility was reported at 10 miles, an AIRMET was in effect warning of ceilings below 1,000 feet and potential precipitation. Radar data showed the aircraft flying a meandering course at altitudes between 2,100 and 3,300 feet MSL. At 2341, the aircraft made a 180-degree turn and began a descent; the final radar contact recorded the aircraft at 1,600 feet MSL.
A witness located 1.6 miles south of the impact site reported hearing the airplane perform several tight turns. The witness observed the aircraft passing overhead at an estimated altitude of 800 to 1,000 feet within the clouds. Shortly after, the witness heard the engine transition to full power, followed by the sound of the aircraft in a dive and the subsequent impact.
The investigation
Investigators from the NTSB, FAA, and manufacturers examined the wreckage in a wooded area. The aircraft had been modified for parachuting, featuring a single front seat, removed passenger seats, and floor-mounted lap belts. The right-side door had been modified to hinge at the top for easy exits at altitude.
Examination of the wreckage revealed:
- The airframe suffered severe crushing damage, and the forward cockpit was unrecognizable.
- The engine and propeller were found in a muddy impact crater.
- The throttle butterfly valve was wide open, and the engine was at maximum RPM at the time of impact.
- No pre-impact mechanical anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation.
- The aircraft was not equipped with shoulder harnesses, though lap belts were present.
An autopsy of the pilot and one passenger confirmed the cause of death as multiple crushing injuries sustained during the crash. Toxicology reports for both individuals showed no detected ethanol or drugs.