Accident Details
On July 3, 2025, at approximately 0657 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a Cessna 182G airplane, registration N3261S, was substantially damaged in an accident near Kona, Hawaii. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a positioning flight.
Flight Sequence
The pilot reported that the flight was a repositioning from Upolu Airport (UPP) in Hawi, Hawaii, to Kona International Airport (KOA). Before departure, the aircraft had 21 gallons of fuel on board. The pilot sumped the fuel tanks, finding the fuel clean, and reported that pre-departure engine run-up checks were normal.
While en route to KOA at 2,400 feet mean sea level, the pilot maintained a cruise power setting of 2,300 rpm and 22 inches of manifold pressure. During the approach to KOA, approximately half a mile from the airport, before configuring the aircraft for landing, the pilot observed that the Engine Gas Temperatures (EGTs) were higher than expected at a full rich mixture setting. He concluded that the engine was running lean. The pilot confirmed no loss of manifold pressure and ruled out carburetor icing. Subsequently, the engine began to lose power. The pilot applied carburetor heat, and the engine ran better for approximately 15 to 20 seconds before losing all power.
With total engine power loss, the pilot selected a forced landing site on rough, uneven, lava-covered terrain. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Engine Examination
A detailed examination of the engine is pending the recovery of the wreckage.