Probable cause
A loss of engine power in flight due to the failure of the engine's No. 5 piston.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during cruise flight the airplane suddenly started shaking violently. He reduced the engine power and noticed the vibration diminished. The pilot selected a field and attempted an off-airport landing, during which the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and vertical tail. A postaccident examination of the airplane's engine revealed that the No. 5 piston was fragmented. The engine had last been overhauled 17 years prior to the accident, and had accumulated 740 hours since the overhaul.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA038 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mancelona, Michigan
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182L
- N-number
- N808HC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.