Accident Overview
On March 16, 2023, about 1610 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 182R airplane, registration N6266E, sustained substantial damage when it landed short of the runway at Minto Airport (51Z) in Minto, Alaska. The pilot and passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Information
The pilot reported that the flight originated from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Fairbanks, Alaska, for a cadet orientation flight. En route to Minto Airport, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot activated the carburetor heat, after which the engine resumed normal operation. The carburetor heat remained engaged for the remainder of the flight. On short final for landing at 51Z, the engine suffered a total loss of power. The airplane touched down short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the engine mount.
Engine Examination
During recovery, an undetermined amount of fuel was drained from both wings. A post-accident examination of the engine by a National Transportation Safety Board investigator revealed that the engine started normally and responded to throttle inputs with normal cylinder head temperature and exhaust gas temperature indications. A magneto check confirmed both magnetos were fully operational. The carburetor heat control functioned correctly. Air intake and exhaust connections were secure, undamaged, and free of blockages. Thumb compression was confirmed on all cylinders. The carburetor heat control and box were removed and inspected with no anomalies. The bottom spark plugs were removed and showed no electrode anomalies. Fuel from the sump drain and carburetor bowl contained no evidence of water. The examination of the engine and airframe found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
Reported weather at the accident site included a temperature of 6.8°F and a dew point of -9.4°F. The airplane was not in the temperature region of possible carburetor icing at the time of the accident.