History of Flight
On February 6, 2020, at about 1413 central standard time, a Cessna 182 airplane, registration N60381, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Chatham, Louisiana. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The instrument flight rules (IFR) flight departed Jackson-Hawkins Field Airport (HKS) in Jackson, Mississippi, at about 1307, with a destination of Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) in Shreveport, Louisiana.
About 1336, radar data showed the airplane at 6,000 ft. The pilot contacted Monroe Air Traffic Control (ATC). Around 1350, the pilot advised ATC that the airplane was accumulating ice on the struts and the edges of the windshield. The pilot requested and received clearance to descend to 4,000 ft. About 1352, the pilot reported shedding some ice and expressed a desire to remain at 4,000 ft, then asked if he could descend to 2,000 ft. ATC informed him that 3,000 ft was the lowest altitude available. Around 1355, the pilot was cleared to 3,000 ft.
About 1405, the pilot inquired about diverting to Ruston Regional Airport (RSN) to remove ice. ATC acknowledged and asked about the desired approach. About 1407, the pilot requested the RNAV approach to runway 36 at RSN, and ATC cleared the pilot direct to the initial approach fix RUKOW. The pilot acknowledged.
About 1411, ATC issued a low altitude alert, advising the pilot that the airplane was at 1,000 ft and instructing an immediate climb. No response was received from the pilot. Radar data indicated a decrease in ground speed and a rapid descent before radar contact was lost.
Meteorological Information
A weather study indicated that marginal visual meteorological conditions (MVMC) to instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed along the route and near the accident site. AIRMETs (Airman’s meteorological information) were current for IFR conditions and occasional moderate icing. Several pilot reports of light icing in the accident area were filed before and after the accident. It is unknown whether the pilot obtained a weather briefing or was aware of the icing conditions.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane impacted a parking area surrounded by commercial buildings. A post-impact fire consumed most of the fuselage, cabin, and left wing. Evidence showed the airplane struck the ground in a near-vertical, nose-down attitude on a south heading. No pre-impact anomalies were found in the airframe or flight controls. All flight instruments were destroyed by fire. Engine drive continuity was confirmed, and no pre-impact mechanical anomalies were identified. Propeller blade damage was consistent with rotation at impact. The airplane was not equipped with a de-icing system.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy conducted by the Jackson Parish Coroner’s Office in Jonesboro, Louisiana, determined the pilot’s cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology tests performed by the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory were negative for drugs and alcohol.