Accident Overview
On August 24, 2020, at approximately 0935 central daylight time, a Cessna R182 airplane, registered as N639RR, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Crowley, Louisiana. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The aircraft was being operated as an aerial observation flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the preflight engine run-up and takeoff were normal. About 30 minutes into the flight, the engine began "popping" and running rough. The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient engine RPM and decided to return to the departure airport for a precautionary landing. Due to the airplane's location relative to the runway orientation, the pilot performed a downwind landing. During the approach, the airplane was "a little high and fast," but the pilot was committed to the landing because of the reduced engine performance. The airplane touched down, overran the end of the turf runway, impacted a ditch, and came to rest upright.
Damage and Examination
The pilot reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the engine by the operator revealed that the No. 4 engine cylinder exhaust valve was stuck, which resulted in a bent push rod and a partial loss of engine power. Following the accident, hurricane activity damaged the operator's facility and the accident airplane, preventing further examination of the engine.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the stuck exhaust valve on the No. 4 engine cylinder and the resulting bent push rod, leading to a partial loss of engine power.