Cessna 182Q N727PC accident near Centennial, Colorado

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during a departure climb for undetermined reasons and the aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

A witness reported that he saw the accident airplane climbing after takeoff. He stated that the airplane was “going really slow” and that the engine was “sputtering.” The airplane appeared to be “floating in the air” before it “dipped” and came back up. The left wing dropped and the airplane rolled to the right and descended into the ground. The airplane sustained damage consistent with a nose-low impact with terrain. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The amount of fuel on board at the time of the accident could not be determined.

Recorded engine data showed a reduction in fuel flow prior to a reduction in engine speed toward the end of the recording. Changes in fuel flow during this period correlated to engine speed. Postaccident examination of the airplane fuel system revealed little residual fuel aboard and in enclosed components. The reduction of fuel flow prior to a decrease in engine speed and the lack of residual fuel in the airplane fuel system were consistent with fuel exhaustion but contradicted the recorded fuel available for undetermined reasons.

The pilot had cardiovascular disease including severe coronary artery disease. This conveyed increased risk of a sudden impairing or incapacitating cardiac event such as abnormal heartbeat or heart attack. Such an event can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, sweating, unconsciousness, and death. There is no autopsy evidence that such an event occurred, although such an event does not reliably leave autopsy evidence if it occurs just before death. Despite the risk it conveys, even severe coronary artery disease is often asymptomatic. This is partly because, as coronary artery narrowing by plaque progresses over time, diminishing blood flow to downstream heart muscle may be supplemented by increasing blood flow through collateral vessels. It is unlikely that the pilot’s cardiovascular disease contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22FA376 for the full record.