What happened
On July 27, 2008, a Cessna 182G was conducting skydiving operations near Damme, Germany. The aircraft had been performing several flights throughout the morning, dropping skydivers from the aircraft. Following a refueling of the left tank with approximately 68 liters of fuel, the aircraft completed three subsequent flights totaling 86 minutes of flight time.
During the third flight, while the aircraft was in a descent from FL125 to 3,50 and the skydivers had already been deployed, the engine RPM dropped to 1,300 RPM. This reduction in power could not be corrected by the pilot. Consequently, the pilot declared an emergency and performed an emergency landing in a field at a model airfield. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck the ground and overturned, coming to rest on its back. The pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the engine, and the site of the accident. The investigation noted that the aircraft, a 1963 model, had undergone its last inspection in May 2008, only 64 flight hours prior to the accident.
At the accident site, investigators found that the aircraft's longitudinal axis pointed toward 330°. Traces of the right main landing gear were found 18 meters ahead of the wreckage, while the left main gear marks were 14 meters ahead. The nose gear was located 13 meters from the main wreckage in a ditch. No evidence of fuel leakage was found at the site, and only 0.6 liters of fuel could be recovered from the fuel system. Additionally, the pilot's seat had become detached from its mounting, with the four attachment claws bent.
Findings
- The engine RPM decreased to 1,300 RPM and remained fixed at that level.
- The uncommanded reduction in engine power was the primary factor leading to the emergency landing.
- There was no evidence of fire during the flight or following the impact.
- No physiological or health-related impairments were identified in the pilot.