Cessna 182Q accident near Gardner, Kansas, April 7, 2023
On April 7, 2023 at about 9:48 pm local time, a 1980 Cessna 182Q, registered N982NC, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering near Gardner, Kansas. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 2 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 6 connecting rod as a result of detonation.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- April 7, 2023 · about 9:48 pm local time
- Place
- Gardner, Kansas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 2 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna 182Q, built 1980 · all 182Qs on the register
- Registration
- N982NC · no longer on the register · serial 18267655
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that, about 30 minutes after takeoff, he observed a subtle but abnormal engine vibration, and he began to return to the departure airport. The pilot reported that all engine indications were normal with the exception of one cylinder that displayed a high cylinder head temperature, but he could not recall which one. The engine subsequently lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane nosed over and incurred substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 6 connecting rod was separated from the crankshaft. Removal of the cylinders and pistons revealed damage due to detonation. Borescope examination revealed that the No. 5 piston was melted on the intake side and displayed evidence of severe detonation. Damage to the skirt of cylinder No. 6 prevented removal of the piston. All of the intake and exhaust valves and associated pushrods were intact with no damage noted, and there were no other anomalies detected during the engine examination. An interview of the mechanic who had performed recent maintenance revealed that all six cylinders were replaced with new or repaired units 90.7 flight hours beforethe accident. The mechanic stated that he had not performed a cold valve clearance check when the cylinders were installed. Since the engine could not be rotated, it was not possible to determine the valve clearance after the accident; however, it is unlikely that any valve clearance anomaly, if it had existed before the accident, would have resulted in the partial and then total loss of engine power. The vibration and high cylinder head temperature reported by the pilot are consistent with detonation, which likely led to the failure of the No. 6 connecting rod and a total loss of engine power; however, the reason for the detonation could not be determined based on the available information.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during maneuvering defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › Recip engine power section › Failure
- Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 633 hours in all; 23 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Cont Motor O-470-U (piston); 0 hours total
- Operator: Ial CORP
The flight
- Departed from: IXD Olathe KS
- Destination: 1K1 Benton KS
- Flight plan: VFR
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 140° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 66°F (19°C), dew point 25°F (-4°C)
- Altimeter: 30.29 inHg
- Observation at 4:53 pm from KIXD, 3 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KIXD 072153Z 14011KT 10SM CLR 19/M04 A3029 RMK AO2 SLP256 T01891044=
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
5 documents, released by the NTSB on February 20, 2025. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Record of Conversation with Pilot | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 2 | Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 3 | FAA Inspector Statement | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Accident Photographs | PDF, 3 pages | View Download |
| 5 | Aircraft Maintenance Record Excerpts | PDF, 9 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.