History of Flight
The accident occurred on December 3, 2021, at approximately 1823 central standard time. The Cessna 182L, registration N182NS, was destroyed. The airplane was the lead of a two-aircraft flight departing Mendin, Louisiana (MNE) at 1738, destined for Clarksville, Arkansas (H35). The pilot of the second airplane, who was not instrument rated, stated that before departure both pilots reviewed en route weather. They observed scattered clouds at 1,500 ft and an overcast ceiling at 2,000 ft. They agreed to climb to 1,500 ft mean sea level (msl) and designated Ralph C Weiser Field Airport (AGO) in Magnolia, Arkansas, as an alternate. The second pilot described the weather as "already sketchy" after takeoff, with limited forward visibility. About 20 minutes into the flight, before reaching AGO, both airplanes encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilots discussed the conditions by radio; the accident pilot indicated he believed the clouds would clear and they continued toward the destination. As they approached Hot Springs, Arkansas, both airplanes were in full IMC, flying at 1,600 ft msl, 140 knots, on a 351° heading. The second pilot glanced at his phone and saw that the accident airplane's track had turned to a southeast heading. He was unable to reach the accident pilot on the radio and continued ahead, climbing to 3,500 ft msl and exiting IMC near Danville, Arkansas. ADS-B data showed that after departure, the accident airplane climbed to about 1,600 ft GPS altitude and maintained a straight northbound path. About 1.5 nautical miles south of Trap Mountain, it began a gradual descent. Approximately 0.5 nautical miles south of the mountain, it initiated a shallow right turn. ADS-B data ceased over Trap Mountain at an altitude of 1,175 ft. Trap Mountain, though not labeled on the sectional chart, is shown with an altitude of 1,095 ft msl.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane struck the north side of Trap Mountain and came to rest at an elevation of about 1,071 ft msl. The initial impact point was the top of an estimated 30 ft tree, where a portion of the right lower wing skin remained. The main wreckage traveled approximately 100 ft, and the left wing was located about 144 ft from the initial impact. The airplane came to rest inverted and highly fragmented. Postaccident examination revealed that all flight control cables except one elevator cable were connected at the flight control surfaces and cockpit controls; the disconnected cable was found within the debris field. Flight control cable continuity could not be established due to fragmentation. The engine showed no preimpact damage or mechanical malfunction. The propeller had separated at the hub and exhibited chordwise striations and damage to the leading and trailing edges of both blades.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory toxicology testing detected the antipsychotic medication Quetiapine (marketed as Seroquel) in the pilot's liver tissue at 9 ng/g and in muscle tissue. The blood pressure medications amlodipine, metoprolol, and valsartan were also detected; these are generally considered non-impairing. Ethanol was detected in liver tissue at 0.017 gm/hg but not in vitreous fluid or muscle. Methanol was detected in liver tissue at 0.009 gm/hg but not in vitreous or muscle. Quetiapine is used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; sleepiness is a common side effect, and it may impair mental and physical ability for hazardous tasks. Ethanol is a central nervous system depressant that impairs judgment and psychomotor functioning. Postmortem ethanol production can occur from microbial activity, especially with extensive trauma.