Accident Overview
On May 1, 2023, at approximately 1345 central daylight time, a Cessna 182D, registration N8713X, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Batesville, Mississippi. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he was making a planned fuel stop at Panola County Airport (PMU) in Batesville. During the approach, he experienced moderate to heavy “wind chop.” The first approach was too high, so he conducted a normal go-around and re-entered the traffic pattern. On the second approach, he used no flaps; the airplane bounced and was pushed to the right by a “significant” wind gust. The pilot attempted a go-around by adding full power. The engine rpm increased, but then he heard a “pop” and the engine lost power. The airplane landed in the grass next to the runway. After touchdown, the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it hit a drainage ditch with the left main wheel. The left wheel separated from the strut, and the lower fuselage sustained substantial damage. The right wing subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the wing.
A review of video taken of the approach and attempted go-around showed that the airplane bounced on the runway and settled back down to the right. As it exited the paved surface, the engine rpm increased, and the airplane became airborne again. Then the engine sputtered and lost power. The airplane touched down in the grass, bounced, and touched down again on the taxiway. It bounced once more before impacting the drainage ditch.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The wings and empennage had been removed for transport. The right fuel tank finger screen was examined and was not obstructed. The left-wing fuel pickup screen was damaged during the recovery but was not obstructed. The engine remained attached to the fuselage, and the propeller remained attached to the hub. Both propeller blades were bent aft about 45° and exhibited chordwise scratching.
A postaccident engine run was conducted on June 7, 2023. Fuel was supplied from an external tank and plumbed into the engine from the right-wing-root fuel pickup. The engine started, idled, and accelerated without hesitation. The engine was shut down, and no anomalies were noted. Fuel was then supplied from the left-wing-root fuel pickup with similar results: the engine started, idled, and accelerated without hesitation.
The pilot reported using carburetor heat during the two landing approaches, although weather conditions at the time were conducive to carburetor icing at glide power.
Weather and Crosswind Considerations
Wind at the time of the accident was from 290° at 10 knots, gusting to 21 knots; the calculated crosswind was about 20 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 01. The pilot operating handbook for the Cessna 182D did not list a maximum demonstrated crosswind component, but later models listed a 15-knot crosswind for landing and a 20-knot crosswind for takeoff.