What happened
On July 13, 2024, at approximately 07:49 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182B, registration N2617G, was involved in an accident near Soldier, Idaho. The aircraft was operating under Part 91 regulations for a personal cross-country flight from Buhl Municipal Airport (U03) to Smiley Creek Airstrip (U87).
Approximately 29 minutes into the flight while traversing mountainous terrain, the pilot reported that the engine began running roughly. After checking the engine oil pressure and temperature gauges and finding them within normal parameters, the pilot executed a 180-degree left turn to return to Buhl.
During this turn, the pilot observed that the engine oil pressure had dropped below normal operating levels, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing in an open, grass-covered field. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a ditch and nosed over. The pilot and passenger sustained 2 minor injuries, and there were 0 fatalities.