Accident Overview
On September 22, 2025, at about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182F, registration N3192U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Williamsburg, Virginia. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, shortly after departing from Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport (JGG), while climbing through 2,000 ft mean sea level, the engine “stumbled” and lost all power. The pilot reported hearing a “crunching noise” coinciding with the power loss. He attempted to return to the departure airport but determined the airplane was too far away to reach the runway. Efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, and he executed a forced landing to a field.
Landing and Damage
The airplane touched down in a recently harvested corn field. The pilot was unable to stop before the airplane overran the field, impacted a tree, and flipped over. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The right wing was impact separated mid span, and numerous buckles were noted in the airframe.
Post-Accident Examination
Initial examination of the engine at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the propeller could be rotated partially but was unable to complete a full 360° of rotation. Oil was observed on the underside of the engine compartment, but no oil was present on the belly of the fuselage, and there was no visible damage to the engine. The pilot reported that the airplane departed JGG with about 60 gallons of aviation fuel on board.
The airplane was retained for further examination.