Location: Crowley, Louisiana
Accident Number: CEN20LA361
Date & Time: August 24, 2020, 09:35 Local
Registration: N639RR
Aircraft: Cessna R182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation
Analysis
About 30 minutes into the aerial observation flight, the engine began "popping" and running rough. The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient engine RPMs and elected to return to the departure airport for a precautionary landing. Based on the airplane's location relative to the runway orientation, the pilot performed a downwind landing. During the approach, the airplane was "a little high and fast;" however, the pilot was committed to the landing due to the reduced engine performance. The airplane touched down, overran the end of the turf runway impacted a ditch and came to rest upright. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the No. 4 engine cylinder exhaust valve was stuck which resulted in a bent push rod and partial loss of engine power. Due to damage to the operator's facility and the airplane from hurricane activity, further examination of the engine was not conducted and the reason for the stuck valve was not
determined.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Based on available evidence, the reason for the failed valve was not determined.
Findings
Aircraft Recip eng cyl section - Failure
Factual Information
On August 24, 2020, about 0935 central daylight time, a Cessna R182 airplane, N639RR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Crowley, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight.
According to the pilot, the preflight engine run-up and takeoff were normal. About 30 minutes into the aerial observation flight, the engine began "popping" and running rough. The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient engine RPMs and elected to return to the departure airport for a precautionary landing. Based on the airplane's location relative to the runway orientation, the pilot performed a downwind landing. During the approach, the airplane was "a little high and fast;" however, the pilot was committed to the landing due to the reduced engine performance. The airplane touched down, overran the end of the turf runway, impacted a ditch and came to rest upright.
The pilot reported the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Postaccident examination of the engine by the operator revealed the No. 4 engine cylinder exhaust valve was stuck which resulted in a bent push rod and partial loss of engine power. Following the accident, hurricane activity damaged the operator's facility and the accident airplane, and further examination of the engine was unable to be conducted.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 31,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 30, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 21, 2018
Flight Time: 1129 hours (Total, all aircraft), 692 hours (Total, this make and model), 1036 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 223 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 70 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N639RR
Model/Series: R182 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: R18200245
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 4, 2020 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3100 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 35 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 9316.6 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-540-J3C5D
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 235 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: IYA,16 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 09:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 120°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1600 ft AGL
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 40°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Crowley, LA (LS09)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Crowley, LA (LS09)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:50 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport Information
Airport: AJ Patrol Airport LS09
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 16 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18 IFR
Approach: None Runway
Length/Width: 2400 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Precautionary landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.138889,-92.333335(est)