Accident Overview
On December 21, 2019, at 1822 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182F, registration N3371U, was substantially damaged when it struck high-tension power lines near Goodyear, Arizona. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
Earlier that day, the pilot had driven to Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU) to pick up his airplane from an avionics shop where an automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) system had been installed. He experienced difficulty with the ADS-B and spent two hours with the shop attempting to resolve the issue. Believing it to be a software problem, he returned home to update the software, then went to Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR) for a check flight. At 1801, he texted his wife that everything looked great and he was going for a short flight.
Radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the airplane depart GYR, fly southwest for about four minutes, then execute a figure-eight pattern before heading northeast back toward GYR. The airplane appeared to be on a straight-in approach for runway 3 when it was lost from radar at 1822.
Impact
Responding law enforcement reported the airplane impacted high-tension power lines about 1 mile south of the airport. The power lines were approximately 100 ft above ground level and were unmarked and unlighted. The airplane came to rest inverted on the ground underneath the lines. Powerline striations were observed along the entire length of the left-wing leading edge. The left wingtip was separated and exhibited burn marks and multiple pieces of wire. The right horizontal stabilizer also showed wire striations and skin separation at its inboard leading edge.
Post-Accident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that all six cylinders remained attached and displayed varying impact damage. Borescope inspection showed normal operating and combustion signatures in the cylinder bores, piston faces, and valve heads. Crankshaft rotation produced good thumb compression and suction. Valves, springs, and rocker arms exhibited normal operating and lubrication signatures.
According to the US Naval Observatory, sunset occurred at 1726 and the end of civil twilight at 1753 on the day of the accident.
Pilot Medical Information
An autopsy by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as “multiple blunt force injuries.” The autopsy also revealed an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), evidence of a previous heart attack, and severe coronary artery disease. Toxicology testing identified metoprolol, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin in cavity blood and urine. Additionally, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis) was found in cavity blood at 11.1 ng/ml, along with its psychoactive metabolite 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC (4.5 ng/ml) and its inactive metabolite carboxy-delta-9-THC (32.1 ng/ml). All three were also present in urine. Metoprolol, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin are not generally considered impairing. THC and its psychoactive metabolite can cause alterations in motor behavior, perception, cognition, and attention.
The pilot’s most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on March 11, 2016. At that time, he reported no chronic medical conditions and no use of medications.