Cessna 182G accident near Quail Heights, Florida, February 16, 2026
On February 16, 2026 at about 3:20 pm local time, a 1964 Cessna 182G, registered N515CL, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Quail Heights, Florida (Richards Fld airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 3 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- February 16, 2026 · about 3:20 pm local time
- Place
- Quail Heights, Florida · Richards Fld · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 3 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna 182G, built 1964 · all 182Gs on the register
- Registration
- N515CL · registry record · serial 18255135
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record
On February 16, 2026, at 1020 eastern standard time a Cessna 182G, N515CL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Quail Heights, Florida. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection he added a small quantity of fuel to both wing tanks to ensure both were full, then sumped the wing tank drains and the fuel strainer, finding no contamination. Taxi out and runup were normal with no anomalies noted. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost all power. The pilot decided to return to the airport and conducted a downwind landing opposite the direction of departure. After touchdown, he was unable to stop the airplane, and it overran the runway and subsequently impacted trees. The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. Post accident examination by the NTSB and FAA found no visible damage to the engine. Engine control continuity was established. Fuel was observed in both wing tanks, the carburetor bowl, and the fuel strainer, which also contained a small amount of particulate contamination. The upper spark plugs were removed and several exhibited sooting on the electrodes. The wreckage was retained for further examination.
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 takeoff defining event
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 5,398 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, February 11, 2026
- Maximum gross weight: 2,800 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 27, 2,620 ft by 100 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 290° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C), dew point 64°F (18°C)
- Altimeter: 29.99 inHg
- Observation at 10:00 am from KTMB, 7 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KTMB 161453Z AUTO 29011KT 10SM 24/18 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP156 T02440183 51018 PWINO $
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
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.