What happened
On September 5, 2022, a Cessna 182P, registration N58807, was operating an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Fletcher Field Airport (CKM) in Clarksdale, Mississippi, toward Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina. During the flight, the pilot was advised by air traffic control of approaching weather and suggested deviations to avoid heavy precipitation.
As the aircraft approached the weather, the pilot performed two full 360-degree turns, with the altitude fluctuating between 8,700 and 9,300 feet MSL. At approximately 17:10 EDT, the pilot reported to the controller that the aircraft had been in "a bit of a whirlwind." Following a suggestion from the controller to head west, the aircraft entered a right turn. After briefly climbing to 9,375 feet MSL, the airplane entered a descent. The final recorded altitude was 7,200 feet MSL.
A witness near the accident site reported hearing the engine power increase abruptly to what sounded like full throttle, followed by a loud "boom" that shook nearby structures. The Cessna 182P impacted trees and terrain, resulting in 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the airframe was fragmented, which was consistent with a high-speed impact. The engine and propeller assemblies were separated from the airframe, with damage consistent with impact forces. Post-accident examination of the flight control system showed no evidence of in-flight structural failure or mechanical malfunction.
Regarding the aircraft's equipment, a representative from the owning flying club stated that while a Stormscope was installed, it was not operational. Although the transponder could receive NEXRAD weather radar data via a Bluetooth-connected device, this data could not be displayed on the aircraft's two electronic flight displays.
Toxicology testing of the pilot's muscle tissue revealed the presence of the antihistamines diphenhydramine and cetirizine, as well as the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine. Ethanol was also detected in one of two muscle tissue samples, though it was not found in the second.