Accident Overview
On July 21, 2012, at approximately 1600 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182A, registration N2166G, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent collision with terrain near Monmouth Executive Airport (BLM) in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The aircraft was operated by Skydive Jersey Shore under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a skydiving flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at BLM about 1530.
Sequence of Events
The pilot, a certificated commercial pilot, reported that after dropping parachutists at 9,000 feet, he was returning to the airport. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, while approaching the airport, the engine lost power and stopped running. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the airplane collided with poles lying on the ground, and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
Investigation Findings
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage at the accident site. They confirmed substantial damage to the fuselage. There was no evidence of external engine damage. The oil quantity was within normal range. The left wing tank contained little or no fuel; the right wing tank's fuel quantity could not be determined at the site due to its position. The wreckage was recovered to a maintenance facility for further examination.
At the facility, a yardstick inserted into the right wing tank indicated a fuel level of less than 0.75 inches. The total fuel recovered from the left wing tank was less than one quart. A fuel sample taken from the gascolator was blue and free of contaminants. The main fuel line from the wing tanks was loosened and found to be empty. The engine rotated freely when turned by hand.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that after leveling off from the descent, he should have paid more attention to scanning his instruments and gauges, with special emphasis on the fuel gauges. He also reported that he had preflighted the fuel tanks using a wooden dipstick.