Cessna 182G N2428R accident near Casa Grande, Arizona

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during landing for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he refueled the airplane with 28 gallons of fuel and calculated that he had enough fuel to commute to the airport and drop two loads of sky divers, with a 30-minute reserve. He estimated that the airplane burned about 7 gallons per 30 minutes of flight. The flight to the accident airport and drop of two loads of sky divers were uneventful. While on final to land after the third flight, the pilot advanced the throttle without a corresponding increase in power. He enriched the mixture, verified that the fuel selector was selected to Both, and checked his instruments while maintaining pitch for best glide. He then attempted to restart the engine. Unable to maintain altitude or land on the intended runway, he chose to land on flat desert terrain. During landing, the aircraft impacted a ditch resulting in substantial damage.

Repeated attempts to coordinate an examination with the operator were unsuccessful. Based on this information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA042 for the full record.