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August 24, 2020 · Cessna R182 No Series · N639RR

Crowley, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 24, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Crowley, LA
Aircraft
Cessna R182 No Series (1978)
Tail Number
N639RR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA361

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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.

Full Narrative

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:35 CDT
Nearest AirportAj Patrol Airport (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna R182 No Series
Tail NumberN639RR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J3C5D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time14:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data