Cessna R182 Crash Near McCall, Idaho (N3138C)

Accident Overview and Injuries On June 12, 2023, about 1029 mountain daylight time, a Cessna R182, N3138C, was substantially damaged in an accident near McCall, Idaho. The flight was a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger was seriously injured. The passenger reported that the pair had been flying around the Pacific Northwest for several days and had stayed overnight at McCall Municipal Airport (MYL) on June 11. They planned a short flight to Indian Creek, Idaho, the following morning due to forecasted weather. During preflight and taxi, the pilot noted a slight tailwind and a potentially longer takeoff roll. As the aircraft rotated, the pilot stated, “We have a power problem,” and intended to return to the runway. However, the aircraft did not climb sufficiently to clear trees at the departure end. Witnesses near the site observed an unusually long departure roll and low engine power without coughing or sputtering. The aircraft impacted a pine tree before descending below the tree line.