20040105001179A

(-23) On January 5, 2004, approximately 1825 central standard time, a Cessna 182RG, single-engine airplane, N9318R, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power approximately 11 miles northeast of the south Arkansas regional airport at goodwin field (eld), near El Dorado, Arkansas. The private pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 personal flights. The cross-country flight originated from eld, approximately 1815, and was destined for the memphis international airport, near memphis, Tennessee. The pilot reported that during cruise flight at 3,000 feet MSL, he saw "sparks under the cowling in front, and lost cylinders #1, #2, and #3." He attempted to return to eld, but the engine lost total power, and he initiated a forced landing to a field. An on-scene examination revealed the airplane struck the top of a tree approximately 35-40 feet in height, before impacting the ground. Subsequently, the airplane collided with a steel fence and came to rest on the left side of the fuselage on a 115-degree heading, approximately 113 feet from the tree, at a field elevation of 141 feet MSL. The wreckage distribution path measured 242 feet, and was aligned on a heading of 336 degrees. Examination of the wreckage revealed the engine remained attached to the firewall; the left wing was bent upwards approximately 90 degrees. The right wing was bent downwards approximately 90 degrees outboard of the wing left strut attach point. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. The flaps and landing gear were fully retracted. The airplane was recovered to air salvage of dallas, located near lancaster, Texas, for examination at a later date.