N9901ECessna 182P · 1975

On October 3, 2020, about 1415 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182P airplane, N9901E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Byers, Colorado. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the takeoff and initial portion of the flight were routine. He proceeded to a nearby airport and entered the traffic pattern for landing. On final approach, about 400 ft above ground level, he attempted to execute a go-around; however, the engine did not provide full power. The airplane subsequently descended into a corn field and nosed over. The fuselage, and empennage both sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that he applied carburetor heat in accordance with the pilot’s operating handbook.

Postaccident airframe and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. All of the propeller blades exhibited bending and chordwise scratching, and each blade tip was curled aft. The propeller spinner aft mounting plate exhibited rotational scoring. Between 40 and 50 gallons of fuel were recovered from the airplane at the accident site. A possibility of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power existed at the time of the accident.