Accident Overview
On July 22, 2015, about 0800 mountain daylight standard time, a Cessna 182E airplane, registration N3344Y, experienced an engine power loss shortly after departing from Kissack/Reynolds Airport (22WY), Rozet, Wyoming. The airplane, operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, was substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and the flight was originating from 22WY.
Flight History
The pilot reported performing a normal preflight inspection and noted 52 gallons of fuel on board. Shortly after departure, after reaching an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot initiated a turn. During the turn, the engine lost power. The pilot established a glide and continued a turn back toward the airport. Approximately one-quarter mile from runway 16 (2,200 feet long by 30 feet wide), the pilot executed a slip to lose altitude, then lowered full flaps and landed about halfway down the runway. The landing roll continued past the runway end, and the airplane impacted a drainage ditch.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
The airplane was recovered, and the National Transportation Safety Board conducted an engine examination and run. A visual inspection of the engine revealed no apparent reason for the power loss. The engine was started and test run for several minutes; however, the propeller, which had been damaged during the accident, prevented a high or full power run. At low power settings, no abnormalities were noted during the test run.
The airplane was equipped with a digital engine monitor. Data from the accident flight showed the system was powered on at 0745. Exhaust gas and cylinder head temperatures (EGT/CHT) for all six cylinders appeared normal. At 0801, EGT/CHT on all cylinders showed a sharp decrease consistent with a loss or reduction in engine power.
Weather and Carburetor Icing Consideration
At 0753, the automated weather reporting station located about 17 miles west of the accident site recorded a temperature of 71°F and a dew point of 54°F. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the airplane was operating in conditions associated with a risk of carburetor ice at glide power settings.