Incident Overview
On May 31, 2025, at approximately 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182J, registration N3463F, was substantially damaged during an accident near Kooskia, Idaho. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Flight and Engine Malfunction
The pilot reported departing from Moose Creek airstrip around 0900, planning to climb through City Canyon toward Kooskia and Kamiah, then proceed north to Sandpoint. During a gradual climb out of the canyon at about 4,500 feet mean sea level, she heard a "pop" and the engine began shaking. She initiated troubleshooting by applying carburetor heat, verifying the primer was locked, and enriching the fuel mixture.
With the engine continuing to shake and producing partial power, the pilot configured the airplane for best glide speed and descended toward Kooskia. During the descent, smoke appeared in front of the windscreen, and an engine monitor warning indicated a "bad probe." The engine monitor also showed that the No. 2 cylinder was not producing power, as indicated by the absence of a cylinder head temperature reading.
Emergency Landing
As the pilot attempted to land at the Kooskia airport, the airplane was too fast while passing over the runway. Observing large trees ahead, she briefly applied power to climb over them. Immediately after, she encountered additional obstacles including power lines, trees, and farm structures. With limited engine performance and the risk of stalling if she turned back to the runway, she chose to land straight ahead in an open pasture.
During touchdown, the left wing struck a tree, causing the airplane to rotate 90 degrees. The engine then impacted another tree. The wreckage was recovered to a secured facility for future examination.
Investigation Status
As of the report, no examination of the wreckage has been conducted. The investigation is ongoing.