Fatal Night VFR Accident Involving Cessna 182M N91593 Near Albany, Louisiana

Accident Overview and Flight History On February 27, 2009, at approximately 2345 central standard time, a Cessna 182M, registration N91593, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain five miles north of Albany, Louisiana. The aircraft was owned by an individual and operated by another individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. Dark night marginal visual flight rules (VFR) meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The cross-country flight departed Slidell Airport (ASD) at 2309 and was en route to Marksville Municipal Airport (MKV). The pilot intended to attend a skydiving event near MKV the following day. ## Personnel and Aircraft Details The pilot, age 39, held an FAA private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating and an FAA second-class medical certificate issued on February 20, 2008, without waivers or limitations. At the time of the medical application, the pilot reported 285 hours of total experience. The pilot also held an FAA senior parachute rigger’s certificate and was certified by parachute industry associations as an “SL Jumpmaster” and “Vector Tandem Instructor.” The aircraft, serial number 18259833, was manufactured in 1969 and powered by a Continental O-470-R engine rated at 230 horsepower. It was modified to carry parachutists, with only one seat installed in the front left cockpit and lap belts for four parachutists sitting on the cabin floor. The right-side door was modified to hinge at the top for high-altitude exits. The aircraft was registered to the owner on August 15, 2008. ## Meteorological and Radar Information At 2340, the ASOS at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport (HDC), approximately 10 miles east of the accident site, reported broken clouds at 1,800 feet and 2,600 feet, overcast clouds at 7,000 feet, and visibility of 10 statute miles. At 2353, the ASOS at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), approximately 27 miles west, reported broken clouds at 1,500 feet and overcast clouds at 2,100 feet. An AIRMET was in effect warning of possible ceilings below 1,000 feet and visibilities below 3 statute miles with precipitation. Radar data showed the aircraft climbing from ASD, reaching 2,700 feet MSL at 2313, and then tracking on an approximate course of 290 degrees. From 2323, the aircraft followed a meandering course. At 2341, after turning southwest, the aircraft made a 180-degree right turn, briefly tracked northeast, and began descending. The last radar contact at 2341:58 showed the aircraft at 1,600 feet MSL. ## Wreckage and Impact Findings The accident site was in flat commercial timber lands with pine and oak trees estimated at 80 to 100 feet tall. The wreckage was located within an area approximately 1,200 feet long by 200 feet wide, with the path from first impact to the main wreckage estimated at 160 degrees magnetic. All major components were accounted for. The forward cockpit and cabin area were unrecognizable due to severe crushing damage. The nose and right main landing gear separated from the aircraft, while the left main landing gear remained attached. The engine oil pressure gauge needle was in the green range, the mixture control was full rich, and the throttle control was forward and sheared off. The tachometer needle was at the red line at 2,625 RPM. The engine and propeller were found in a muddy impact crater approximately 3 feet below ground level. No pre-impact anomalies were observed on the airplane or engine that would have prevented normal operation. ## Pathological and Toxicology Results Autopsies performed on the pilot and one passenger listed the cause of death as multiple or massive crushing injuries due to a plane crash. Forensic toxicology tests on specimens from the pilot and one passenger detected no ethanol or listed drugs in the heart or liver. Tests for carbon monoxide and cyanide were not performed.