Cessna 182D N9163X accident near Crescent Mills, California

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to the development of carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that when he arrived in the vicinity of the destination airport, there was fog in the valley where the airport was located, and he began circling the airplane at a low engine power setting. The engine subsequently lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a river, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The atmospheric conditions present in the area at the time of the accident were conducive to the development of serious carburetor icing at glide power settings which likely resulted in the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18TA157 for the full record.