What happened
On May 29, 2011, a Cessna F182Q was performing a skydiving passenger flight at Gmunden-Laakirchen airfield. During the climb phase at approximately 8,000 ft MSL, the engine experienced an audible drop in RPM, falling from 2400 to 1500. This was accompanied by an increase in exhaust gas temperature (EGT), though manifold pressure remained steady at approximately 20 IN HG.
The pilot attempted emergency procedures to restore engine power, but these were unsuccessful. Unable to reach the intended runway 08 due to insufficient power, the pilot executed an emergency landing on runway 26. The aircraft touched down approximately 250 meters past the threshold at a speed of roughly 70 KIAS, which was 10 knots higher than the recommended short-landing speed.
During the landing roll, the pilot applied the main brakes and attempted to steer left toward the safety strip. However, the left main tire burst due to wheel lockup, causing the aircraft to veer right. The aircraft subsequently overran the end of the runway and came to a stop in a nearby grain field. There were no fatalities among the pilot or the four passengers, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the nose gear and propeller.
The investigation
The SUB investigation examined the engine, propeller, and fuel systems, as well as the aircraft's maintenance records and the pilot's flight preparations. Investigators analyzed fuel and oil samples, which were found to meet required specifications. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that while the mass was within operating limits, the specific configuration used for the weight calculation was not clearly documented.
Findings
- The engine power loss was likely caused by a temporary interruption in fuel supply, though the specific cause could not be determined.
- The aircraft's landing roll exceeded the available runway length because the touchdown was too late and the approach speed was too high.
- The use of full flaps during the landing roll, combined with the 1% downgrade of runway 26, contributed to the extended landing distance.
- The burst of the left main tire was caused by the wheel locking during braking, which subsequently impaired directional control and braking effectiveness.
- The aircraft was being operated for skydiving purposes in a manner that did not strictly comply with the aircraft's flight manual specifications.
- Discrepancies were noted between the pilot's logbook entries regarding flight duration and fuel consumption and the records maintained by the airfield.