2018 Cessna T182T Collision with Terrain in Monroe, Wisconsin (N1880B)

Accident Overview and Flight History On June 10, 2018, at 1201 central daylight time, a Cessna T182T airplane, N1880B, was destroyed during a collision with trees and terrain approximately 3/4 mile north-northwest of the Monroe Municipal Airport (EFT) in Monroe, Wisconsin. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was conducted under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The flight originated from the Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW) at approximately 1126 and was destined for EFT. FAA air traffic control (ATC) radar and communications data indicated that after departing ENW, the aircraft proceeded westbound at a cruising altitude of 4,000 feet mean sea level (msl). The pilot requested the RNAV (GPS) Runway 30 approach at EFT. Initially inquiring about a clearance to the Davis initial approach fix (IAF), the pilot was instead directed to proceed to the GENZU fix due to weather southeast of Janesville. At 1139, the pilot was cleared to the GENZU IAF on the RNAV (GPS) Runway 30 approach. At 1150, the pilot was instructed to cross GENZU at 3,000 feet and was cleared for the approach. The aircraft began its descent from 4,000 feet and leveled at 3,000 feet about two minutes later. At 1154, the aircraft passed the GENZU IAF and turned south-southeast along the published GPS Runway 30 approach transition. The pilot informed the controller of a desire to proceed to the Rockford International Airport (RFD) in the event of a missed approach but later advised a preference to return to ENW. The controller provided alternate missed approach instructions to fly heading 090° and climb and maintain 4,000 feet. At 1155, the controller authorized the pilot to change to the airport common traffic advisory frequency, which the pilot acknowledged. No further communications were received. At 1156, the aircraft passed the XOTIY intermediate approach fix and turned west-northwest inbound to Runway 30. At 1159, the aircraft passed the ZEBRU final approach fix at 2,700 feet. The final radar data point was recorded at 1201:06, placing the aircraft 1.90 nautical miles southeast of the Runway 30 approach threshold at 1,700 feet. Radar contact was lost consistent with coverage limitations and was not regained. A witness reported hearing the aircraft, describing a loud, high-pitched sound similar to aerobatic maneuvers. The witness subsequently observed a “fireball” through an opening in the tree line, followed by a loud “boom” and thick black smoke rising above the trees. The accident site was located in a wooded ravine about 1/2 mile north of the Runway 30 departure threshold.