CHI00LA031

The pilot made a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. He also stated that the landing was normal until he encountered a drainage ditch that caused the plane to nose over. A postaccident examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed no evidence of fuel within the fuel tanks. The fuel tanks were found to be intact. No preexisting anomalies were found with respect to the airframe, engine or systems.

On November 15, 1999, at 2208 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182, N5388B, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Shelbyville, Indiana. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was operating on an instrument flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight departed from the Winder-Barrow Airport, Winder, Georgia, and was en route to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (UMP), Indianapolis, Indiana.

While inbound to UMP, the pilot reported that the aircraft engine was running rough and advised controllers that he would divert to the Shelbyville Municipal Airport (GEZ), Shelbyville, Indiana. The pilot then reported to controllers that he was not going to make it to the airport. Radar contact was lost as the pilot was leaving 1300 feet mean sea level altitude.

A postaccident examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed no evidence of fuel within the fuel tanks. The fuel tanks were found to be intact. No preexisting anomalies were found with respect to the airframe, engine or systems.

In a written report, the pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. He also stated that the landing was "... normal until I [the pilot] encountered a drainage ditch that caused the plane to nose over".