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August 18, 2015 · Cessna 182P · N6KW

Bolivar, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bolivar, MO
Aircraft
Cessna 182P (1971)
Tail Number
N6KW
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15LA369

During cruise flight, the airplane experienced a total electrical failure. The private pilot diverted to the closest airport and conducted a no-flap landing, during which the airspeed was too high. The airplane subsequently departed the runway, struck a ditch, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The voltage regulator failed a postaccident functional test. The accident is consistent with the loss of electrical power due to a failed voltage regulator and the pilot's improper execution of a precautionary landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

Total electrical failure due to a failed voltage regulator and the pilot’s failure to maintain a proper airspeed during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.

Full Narrative

On August 18, 2015, about 1025 central daylight time, a Cessna 182P, single-engine airplane, N6KW, departed the runway surface during a precautionary landing at the Bolivar Municipal Airport (M17), Bolivar, Missouri. The private-rated pilot sustained minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned by a private individual and operated by the pilot as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), Joplin, Missouri, and was destined for Spirit of St Louis Airport (SUS), St. Louis, Missouri.During cruise flight, the airplane experienced a total electrical failure and the pilot elected to divert to M17 for a no-flap landing. The pilot reported that the airspeed was too fast on landing, and she landed long on the airport's 4,000 ft. long runway. The pilot added that with the excess speed she wasn't able to keep the airplane on the runway and the airplane went through the grass, and struck a ditch causing it to nose over where it came to rest inverted. An examination of the wreckage showed the lower forward fuselage crushed upward and the nose gear broken aft. The right wing was bent downward at the root, and the right wing strut was bent inward at mid span. The top 12 inches of the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent to the left about 70 degrees. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The airplane's voltage regulator and alternator were retained for further examination. The alternator was examined at Aerotech of Louisville, Incorporated, Louisville, Kentucky, on January 19, 2016. The alternator passed all functional testing and a disassembly inspection of its components showed no anomalies. The voltage regulator was examined at Lamar Technologies, Marysville, Washington, on January 27, 2016. The voltage regulator, part number VR600 and manufactured in June 1996, failed the functional test. The pilot reported she had 185 total flight hours, and 90 hours in the airplane make and model. No other anomalies were found with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:25 CDT
Nearest AirportBolivar Muni (0nm W)
Runway36
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182P
Tail NumberN6KW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time14:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data