History of Flight
On October 16, 2018, at about 1622 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182P airplane, N9326G, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Canoncito, New Mexico. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The flight originated from Fullerton Municipal Airport, California, with a fuel stop at Lake Havasu City Airport, Arizona, where 30.9 gallons of fuel were added. The flight departed Lake Havasu at about 1234 and climbed to an assigned cruise altitude of 19,000 ft msl, en route to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
At 1608, the pilot contacted Albuquerque Approach and reported descending. The controller cleared the pilot direct to the ABQ VOR and issued weather for Double Eagle II Airport. The pilot reported deviating around clouds and precipitation. At 1616, the pilot reported engine problems. The controller suggested possible icing and advised of high terrain. The pilot regained power using carburetor heat but later reported engine issues again. Despite instructions to maintain 8,200 ft msl and to climb, the airplane continued descending. The pilot stated he could not climb and intended to land on a dirt road. The final GPS track recorded the airplane at about 300 ft above terrain before entering a right turn. No further transmissions were received.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a Cessna 182P, serial number unknown, powered by a 285-horsepower Continental O-550-F/TS engine equipped with a carburetor. It was not approved for flight in known icing conditions. The engine had accumulated 201.23 hours since installation, and the airframe had 11,179 total hours at the last annual inspection on October 4, 2018. The Pilot's Operating Handbook indicated that carburetor heat should be used to prevent power loss due to icing.
Meteorological Information
National Weather Service data indicated light to moderate precipitation over the accident site at the time of the accident. The freezing level was at 9,900 ft msl. An upper air sounding detected a low-level temperature inversion at 3,054 ft agl and a lifted condensation level at about 5,300 ft agl. Radar reflectivity showed precipitation echoes consistent with supercooled liquid water drops favorable for structural icing. The Aviation Weather Center Current Icing Products indicated a high probability of light to moderate icing along the route. Several pilot reports of icing were filed before the accident. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before the flight.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was in rolling desert terrain. The initial point of impact was a right wingtip strike. A shallow crater was found 30 ft south of that point. The main wreckage, comprising the fuselage, wings, empennage, engine, and propeller, came to rest on a north heading about 110 ft south of the initial impact. There was no fire. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The throttle was full forward, mixture extended, carburetor heat extended, and pitot heat on. Postaccident engine examination revealed no preexisting anomalies, and the engine operated normally during testing.
Medical and Pathological Information
Autopsies determined the cause of death for both occupants as multiple blunt-force injuries. Toxicology testing was negative for ethanol, carbon monoxide, and all tested drugs.