What happened
On October 29, 2025, at approximately 12:00 Central daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, registration N735ZD, was involved in an accident near Mapleton, Iowa. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight.
According to the pilot, the aircraft experienced a loss of pitch control in one propeller blade immediately after liftoff, which prevented the airplane from climbing. The pilot reported that the stall warning horn remained active after liftaff, and a passenger noted a loud buzzing sound prior to liftoff. The airplane subsequently struck rising terrain in a harvested bean field, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Following the impact, the pilot expressed a need to return to the airport. The three passengers exited the aircraft and contacted emergency services. Before the engine was shut down, the pilot taxied the aircraft down the hill and attempted a second takeoff from a flat, open field, which was unsuccessful. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were not injured.