# NTSB SEA99LA078: Cessna 182K, N2656R, Kalispell, MT, May 22, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 22, 1999, 14:45 local (20:45 UTC) - Place: Kalispell, MT - Coordinates: 48.190895, -114.380935 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.1909&lon=-114.3809&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 23, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46606 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA078 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46606/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA078 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Rough terrain was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff while towing a glider through about 350 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that he released the glider, which successfully returned to the airport, and then attempted a forced landing in a rough, uneven field. During the landing roll, the airplane was substantially damaged. Shortly after the accident, a local mechanic started the engine and performed a run-up, to include checking the carburetor heat control. The test run was completed with no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted. The next day, an individual flew the airplane out of the field and returned it to the airport. ## Factual narrative On May 22, 1999, approximately 1445 mountain daylight time, the pilot of a Cessna 182K, N2656R, attempted a forced landing in a rough field after experiencing a complete loss of engine power while taking off from Kalispell City Airport, Kalispell, Montana. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by Angle View Air, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 glider towing flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, he had towed the glider to about 350 feet above the ground (AGL) when the engine started slowing and then stopped. He immediately released the glider, which successfully returned to the airport, and then attempted a forced landing in an open field. Although the touchdown was successful, the aircraft sustained damage while rolling across the rough uneven field. Shortly after the accident, a local mechanic inspected the airplane for damage. The mechanic reported that the firewall was damaged, the fuselage belly displayed wrinkles to the skin, and the nose wheel was bent about 10 degrees off center. The mechanic then started the engine and did a run-up, to include checking the carburetor heat control. The test run was completed with no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted. The next day, an individual flew the airplane out of the field and returned it to the Kalispell City Airport. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2656R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2656R), registered now, S/N 18258356 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 182K - Registry model: [Cessna 182K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182k) (registry code 2072724) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18258356 - Airframe hours: 3775 - Engines: Continental O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Angel View Air - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, February 5, 1999 - Departed: S27 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 1,700 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19990522005869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990522005869A), May 22, 1999: Cessna 182K, Kalispell, MT, Substantial damage. Acft experienced engine failure while conducting a sailplane tow operation, the acft landed in a field and sustained substantial damage, and the sailplane… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.