What happened
On June 12, 2024, at approximately 11:00 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna A185F, registration N8WF, was involved in an accident in the vicinity of Monument Hills, California. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight.
The pilot departed from Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) with approximately 70 gallons of fuel on board. After flying in the area for roughly 40 minutes, the pilot intended to return to Watts-Woodland Airport (O41). Approximately five miles from the destination, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power. Despite advancing the throttle, the engine failed to respond and subsequently suffered a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by adjusting the mixture, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot turned south and initiated a forced landing into a corn field. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft showed that the wings and the horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was moved to a secure facility for further inspection.