MIA95LA139

While on final approach to land, the engine experienced total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a cow pasture about 1 mile west of the airport. During the landing roll the nose landing gear separated after contacting a ditch. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

On May 28, 1995, about 1439 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182A, N4905D, registered to George K. Sharp, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power while on final approach to land at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, Vero Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 1027 from the Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville, North Carolina.

The pilot stated that while on final approach to land, the engine experienced total loss of power. He initiated an emergency descent for a forced landing. After touchdown in a pasture about 1 mile west of the destination airport, the nose landing gear separated after contacting a ditch. The airplane came to rest with the engine assembly contacting the ground and the empennage elevated.

An FAA operations inspector examined the airplane at the accident site and observed that the fuel strainer bowl was broken and fuel was leaking. The airplane was recovered.

Examination of the engine on May 31, 1995, by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train continuity. A cold differential compression of each cylinder using 80 psi as a reference revealed that the Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 cylinders were 67, 76, 69, 58, 77, and 62 psi respectively. Each magneto was found to be tight against the accessory case and each magneto to engine timing was determined to be 22 degrees before top center. According to a representative of the engine manufacturer the magneto timing was correct. Magneto operation was not determined. The carburetor bowl was drained and found to contain about 2-3 tablespoons of fuel. No water contamination was noted. The throttle and mixture controls were found to be securely attached to each respective control arm at the carburetor. No determination was made as to the reason for the loss of engine power. The inspector also examined the airframe and determined that the left wing spar was damaged.

The pilot/owner of the airplane did not comply with 49 CFR Part 830.15. A letter from the pilot/owner is attached to this report.

Photographs detailing the damage to the airplane are included in this report.