Trees In Landing Area Create Damage in No-Injury Accident

Location: Lumberton, MS Accident Number: CEN20LA123
Date & Time: 03/14/2020, 1300 CDT Registration: N20847
Aircraft: Cessna 182 Injuries: 3 None

On March 14, 2020, about 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 182 airplane, N20847, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Lumberton, Mississippi. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The flight originated at Columbia-Marion County Airport (0R0), Columbia, Mississippi, at 1300, with an intended destination of Picayune Municipal Airport, Picayune, Mississippi. No flight plan was filed for this visual flight rules flight.

According to the pilot, about ten minutes after departure and about 1,500 ft mean sea level, the engine experienced a "sudden reduction in power." He reported that all instrument gauges appeared normal and the engine was running smoothly, but it had a "different" sound. The pilot turned on the electric fuel pump and tried both the PRIME and ON position; there was no change in the engine performance. He completed a magneto check with only "a slight drop" per side.

The pilot stated he did not have enough power to maintain altitude; he attempted to divert to IH Bass Jr Memorial Airport (4R1), in Lumberton, Mississippi, but continued to lose altitude.

The piloted noted that the terrain in the area was rolling hills and forest land. He selected a clear-cut field that had a small road next to it to complete the forced landing. The airplane touched down on the road which turned to the right. The pilot reported that while trying to make the right turn to follow the road, the airplane ground looped and went backwards into a tree line.

The airplane came to rest in a wooded area. The airplane impacted numerous trees during the accident sequence and sustained substantial damage to the left and right wings, and the tail section.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov