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NTSB Report

August 16, 2008 · Cessna 182C · N8643T

Sparta, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sparta, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 182C
Tail Number
N8643T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA255

The pilot reported that he originally departed Warsaw, Indiana, at about 0730 on the morning of the accident. He stated that the airplane contained approximately 45 gallons of usable fuel. He stated that during the flight the "service oil filter screen" light illuminated, so he diverted. He stated that he removed and cleaned the oil filter screen and changed the oil prior to departing for the Sparta Community Airport (SAR). The pilot stated that he began his descent, and when he reached traffic pattern altitude he attempted to add power to no avail. He stated the fuel gauges were indicating that he still had fuel and the propeller was wind milling prior to it stopping. The pilot initiated an off airport landing in a retail parking lot. The nose gear separated from the airplane resulting in firewall damage, and the left main gear collapsed when the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane then slid into a ditch where it came to rest. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that it came to rest with the right wing higher than the left wing. The right wing did not contain any fuel and the left wing contained less than four gallons of fuel. The gascolator was separated from the airplane due to the impact, and there was no evidence of fuel leakage at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight/planning which resulted in the failure to assure an adequate fuel supply for the flight and the improper flare during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the ditch that the airplane contacted.

Full Narrative

On August 16, at 0940 central daylight time, a Cessna 182C, N8643T, collided with the terrain during an off airport forced landing in Sparta, Illinois. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The personal flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane last departed the Danville-Vermillion County Airport (DNV), Danville, Illinois, at 0845. The pilot reported he originally departed Warsaw, Indiana, at about 0730 on the morning of the accident. He stated the airplane contained approximately 45 gallons of usable fuel. He stated that during the flight the "service oil filter screen" light illuminated, so he diverted to DNV. He stated he removed and cleaned the oil filter screen, and changed the oil prior to departing for the Sparta Community Airport (SAR). The pilot stated he began his descent into SAR using 15 inches of manifold pressure, and when he reached traffic pattern altitude he attempted to add power to no avail. He stated the fuel gauges were indicating that he still had fuel and the propeller was wind milling prior to it stopping. The pilot initiated an off airport landing in a retail parking lot. The nose gear separated from the airplane resulting in firewall damage, and the left main gear collapsed when the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane then slid into a ditch where it came to rest. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that it came to rest with the right wing higher than the left wing. The right wing did not contain any fuel and the left wing contained less than four gallons of fuel. The gascolator was separated from the airplane due to the impact, and there was no evidence of fuel leakage at the accident site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182C
Tail NumberN8643T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-L · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data