Accident Details
On July 7, 2024, at about 2107 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182A, registration N2198G, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain near Rutherfordton, North Carolina. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight.
Flight History
The flight departed Johnson County Airport (6A4), Mountain City, Tennessee, bound for Rutherford County Airport/Marchman Field (FQD), Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Earlier that day, the airplane had been leased from Airstar Aviation LLC to Skydive Mountain City LLC for skydiving operations. The pilot worked for Airstar Aviation, while the two skydiving instructors were independent contractors for Skydive Mountain City.
The day included eight skydiving loads, with a three-hour ground delay due to clouds. Operations concluded around 1945. Prior to the return flight, discussions were held about weather at the destination, with plans to divert to Asheville, North Carolina if needed. The pilot checked weather and decided to proceed, departing 6A4 shortly before 2030 with full fuel.
At 2044, text messages with a skydiving instructor indicated the flight was proceeding as planned. No further communication was received. The next morning, the pilot's wife reported him missing.
Witness and ADS-B Data
A witness near Marion, North Carolina, reported hearing the airplane flying north to south under a cloud ceiling at about 1,500 feet above his position. He noted that storms had passed through the area earlier. ADS-B data showed the airplane departed at 2030:59 at 3,425 feet and 82 knots. After a period without coverage, data resumed at 2055:38 at 5,800 feet heading 151°. The airplane then entered three descending spirals before the final track at 2106:48 at 2,250 feet and 136 knots.
Wreckage Examination
The accident site showed the airplane impacted terrain in a wings-level, nose-low attitude on an approximate heading of 130° at about 2,000 feet elevation. The first impact severed a tree 60 feet above ground, followed by a thicket and dense brush. An impact crater contained the propeller, with main wreckage 50 feet further. Post-impact fire caused thermal damage to the fuselage and cockpit. The empennage separated and came to rest atop the left wing. The engine was found forward of the burned fuselage, partially attached. The propeller hub separated from the crankshaft; both blades displayed power signatures. Fuel tanks were thermally damaged. The fuel selector was found in the "Both" position and fuel consistent with 100LL was present in the lines.