Accident Overview
On December 18, 2010, at 1015 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182P (registration N1462M) experienced a partial loss of engine power and impacted the ground at Greenwood Lake Airport (4N1) in West Milford, New Jersey. The pilot and passenger received serious injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a 1975 Cessna 182P (serial number 18264337), was a four-place, single-engine, high-wing airplane with fixed landing gear and a variable-pitch propeller. It was powered by a Continental O-470-S 230-horsepower engine with a McCauley two-bladed propeller and equipped with fuel bladder tanks in each wing. The last inspection was performed on December 10, 2010, at which time the airframe had 3,432.4 total hours and the engine had 177.2 hours since major overhaul. At the time of the accident, the tachometer recorded six minutes of engine operation since the last run by a mechanic.
The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with multiengine and commercial single-engine ratings, along with a flight instructor certificate. He was issued a first-class medical certificate on July 6, 2010, with no limitations and reported 17,050 total flight hours.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's statement, he arrived at the airport and performed a preflight inspection that included rocking the wings and sumping the fuel tanks and strainer. He did not observe any fuel discrepancies. Due to below-freezing temperatures, he requested an engine pre-heat service, which lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes. After boarding, he started the engine and ran it until the oil temperature indication was off the peg on the gauge. He completed the pre-takeoff checklist and performed a ground run-up with normal indications, including a proper carburetor heat drop.
The pilot taxied onto runway 24 for takeoff. He applied full power and began the takeoff roll, with all indications normal. The airplane rotated at about 60 knots and climbed at full power, achieving an 800 to 1,000 feet per minute climb at 80 knots. After takeoff, he executed a 20-degree right turn to avoid a residential area.
At approximately 1,500 feet above ground level, the manifold pressure began to decrease. The pilot applied full carburetor heat, but the power loss persisted. He decided to return to the airport and maneuvered the airplane in a right turn. The engine continued losing power, and the airplane descended rapidly. The pilot communicated with the passenger, who was in the back seat, to check his seatbelt. The last thing the pilot recalled was being about 20 feet above the ground, short of the runway, just before impact.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane impacted the ground adjacent to the right side of runway 24. Damage was consistent with initial ground contact by the forward left side of the engine nacelle and the left wing's outer section. The left main landing gear separated, and the nose gear collapsed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the fuel selector valve in the both position, with fuel present in both wing tanks. A chunk of ice (water with debris frozen in it) was observed in the gascolator fuel bowl. A post-recovery examination by the manufacturer under FAA oversight revealed no water in the carburetor and no other anomalies that would prevent normal operation.
Additional Information
Weather reported at nearby Sussex Airport (FWN) at 1053 included calm winds, 10 statute miles visibility, few clouds at 2,500 feet, temperature 4°C, dew point -1°C, and altimeter 30.09 inches of mercury. The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 notes potential hazards of carburetor icing; the ambient conditions were such that serious carburetor icing was possible at cruise power. The Cessna 182P Pilot Operating Handbook provides guidance on cold weather operation and carburetor heat use.
The passenger reported to an FAA inspector that the engine lost power during takeoff and the pilot attempted to return to the airport.