What happened
On September 23, 2025, at approximately 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182N, registration N766EE, was involved in an accident near Fallbrook, California. The flight originated from French Valley Airport (F70) in Murrieta, California, following a departure at approximately 1353.
While performing a straight-in approach to runway 18 at Fallbrook Community Airpark (L18), the pilot attempted to increase engine power as the aircraft was less than one mile from the runway. Despite advancing the throttle and turning off the carburetor heat, the engine power did not increase. Realizing the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude to reach the runway, the pilot initiated an emergency landing on a divided highway.
The aircraft landed in the southbound lanes. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a tree located along the center divider. The aircraft then veered left, exited the roadway, and nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted position on an embankment adjacent to the northbound lanes.
The pilot sustained 1 minor injury and was not killed in the accident.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft showed that the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage sustained substantial damage. The wreckage was moved to a secure location for further study.