Accident Details
On May 8, 2018, at about 1500 central daylight time, a Cessna 182F airplane, registration N3291U, impacted a field approximately 0.3 miles southeast of The Carter Memorial Airport (T91) in Luling, Texas. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff during a local skydiving flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no Federal Aviation Administration flight plan had been filed.
Aircraft and Occupants
The airplane was occupied by a commercial pilot and four passengers. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, while the other two passengers were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Sequence of Events
According to statements from the pilot and passengers, shortly after rotation, the passengers observed fuel leaking from the left wing and notified the pilot. The pilot perceived the leak as an immediate fire risk and determined that an off-airport landing was necessary. The pilot abruptly lowered the airplane's nose and landed in a field.
The responding FAA inspector reported that during the forced landing, the airplane struck the ground in a left-wing-low attitude and then contacted a berm. The airplane came to rest in a field southeast of the departure end of runway 17.
Examination Findings
The impact sequence resulted in separation of the engine and the right main landing gear. Both the left and right wings were substantially damaged. The left-wing fuel tank cap was found dangling by its chain and was not secured. However, examination revealed no issues or anomalies with the left fuel cap or the left-wing fuel tank filler inlet; the cap could be securely installed at the time of the inspection. An examination of the airframe, engine, and remaining systems found no anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot had fueled the airplane before the accident flight.