Accident Overview
On April 11, 2021, at about 1615 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182H, registration N2030X, was substantially damaged when it made a forced landing in the water near Blakely Island, Washington. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported performing a preflight inspection, including draining fuel from each wing fuel sump. The fuel appeared blue and free of debris. Departing from runway 1 at Blakely Island Airport (38WA), he made a right turn and flew parallel to the eastern shoreline. During climb, he set the engine power to 22 inches of manifold pressure and 2,300 RPM. While over Rosario Strait at about 700 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered once and then lost all power. The pilot executed a forced landing to the water near the shoreline. During touchdown, the airplane nosed over and submerged in approximately 50 feet of salt water.
Pre-Accident History
The airplane had been refueled on February 27, 2021, in Anacortes, Washington, and was flown for about 2 hours before the accident flight. It was relocated to Skagit Regional Airport (KBVS) in Burlington/Mount Vernon for its annual inspection. The airplane was kept protected from weather until the day before the accident, when it was moved to the ramp at 38WA. Both that day and the accident day were sunny, warm, and dry.
Postaccident Examination
Recovery personnel drained fuel from both tanks and moved the fuel selector from both to off. Examination of the recovered airframe and engine revealed substantial damage to both wings. The left and right fuel cap rubber seals appeared worn, and corrosion was present on both fuel filler ports. The fuel tank bladders exhibited wrinkles along their bottoms.
Throttle, carburetor heat, and mixture control continuity were established from the cockpit controls to the carburetor; all levers moved from stop to stop when actuated by hand. The crankshaft was rotated by hand, and continuity was established throughout the engine and valve train. Cylinder inspection using a lighted borescope revealed no anomalies. A small amount of water and fuel was found in the fuel system, carburetor, and gascolator. Debris and corrosion consistent with saltwater submersion were observed. Both magnetos showed significant corrosion, which prevented a functional check.
Mechanical Condition
Examination of the recovered airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.