What happened
At approximately 1400 EDT, a Cessna 182D departed from the Lourdes-de-Joliette airport in Quebec to perform a parachute jump operation. The aircraft was carrying a pilot, a flight instructor, and four students. After ascending to 3,000 feet, the four students exited the aircraft as planned, while the instructor remained on board.
During the return portion of the flight, the pilot initiated an extended left sideslip to accelerate the descent toward runway 01. During the final turn, the engine failed. Although the engine briefly restarted after the pilot leveled the wings, it failed again once the throttle was increased. Due to the low altitude and nearby obstacles, the pilot attempted a forced landing in a nearby ploughed field. During the maneuver, the right wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to nose into a tree. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the instructor, who was not restrained, suffered serious injuries to the face.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the engine's failure and the aircraft's condition. Examination of the wreckage showed the right fuel tank was empty, while the left tank contained roughly five gallons. The fuel selector was set to both tanks. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical engine malfunction prior to the impact.
Analysis of the fuel system revealed that the engine relies on gravity-fed fuel from wing tanks. During uncoordinated maneuvers like sideslips, fuel can shift away from the intake port, causing starvation. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with seats or safety belts for passengers, with students instead sitting on a cushion. The instructor was not secured at the time of the crash.
Findings
- The engine stopped because the fuel supply was interrupted during a left sideslip.
- The right fuel tank contained insufficient fuel at takeoff to maintain engine operation during non-cruising flight phases.
- The amount of fuel in the tanks was below the manufacturer's recommended minimum for takeoff.
- The engine failure occurred at an altitude too low to allow for a successful restart or a safe forced landing.
- The lack of a seat or safety belt for the instructor contributed to the severity of his facial injuries.