Accident Overview
On July 23, 2019, at approximately 2040 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 182 airplane, registration N3934D, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Farewell, Alaska. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that during takeoff from a river gravel bar, as the airplane climbed out of ground effect, the headwind diminished. He perceived that the engine was “lagging” and that the airplane was not climbing as expected. The airplane subsequently descended into a grove of small trees at the end of the gravel bar. Upon impact, the nose landing gear sheared off, and the airplane flipped over. Damage was sustained to the left wing, right wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not have time to attempt to restore power or secure the engine before impact.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the engine was intact and securely attached to the airframe, with all fittings secure. The propeller remained attached to the engine, and the propeller blades were secure in the hub. Each blade exhibited spanwise torsional s-bending and fractures at the outboard leading edges. Engine control continuity was established, and the magnetos functioned properly. The propeller rotated smoothly by hand. No debris was found in the fuel filter, and the fuel selector moved appropriately through its detents. The examination disclosed no pre-impact anomalies that would have resulted in a partial loss of engine power after takeoff.