WPR24LA296

Factual narrative

On May 22, 2024, about 1030 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182C, N8580T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Vernal, Utah. The pilot and 2 passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that while on 5-mile final for runway 17 at the Vernal Regional Airport (VEL), Vernal, Utah, he performed a slip briefly to lose altitude. As the airplane was about 3 miles from the runway, he reduced engine power and extended the flaps to 40°. Shortly after, the engine “stumbled” and lost total power. Despite his attempts, the pilot was unable to restart the engine and initiated a landing to an open field. During the off-airport landing, the airplane landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid management
• — Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid level
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of checklist-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained