Takeoff & Initial Climb · NTSB CEN11FA115
CESSNA 182C — Crowley, LA
| Date | December 18, 2010 |
| Location | Crowley, LA |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 182C |
| Purpose of flight | Skydiving |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Takeoff Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 56 |
| Pilot total time | 8,000 hrs · High time |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 3, 2 serious |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Ignition system-Magneto/distributor-Failure - C
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C
What happened
The flight departed to the east with four skydivers for a local jump. One witness stated that, immediately following the takeoff, about 200 feet above ground level, a "percussive" pop from the engine was heard. Two witnesses stated that the right wing dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane was quickly engulfed in a postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed a piece of engine isolator gasket had become wrapped around the carburetor main fuel jet and both magnetos distribution gear had cracked and were missing teeth. The damaged distribution gear teeth were consistent with damage found after an engine experiences a backfire. It could not be determined which magneto failed first or if they both failed simultaneously. The cause of the backfire could not be determined. Further examination of the engine, airframe, and remaining systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.