Event WPR25LA167

Factual narrative

On May 31, 2025, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182J, N3463F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Kooskia, Idaho. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot stated that on the morning of the accident, she departed from Moose Creek airstrip about 0900, with a planned route involving a climb through City Canyon toward Kooskia and Kamiah, intending thereafter to head north to Sandpoint. During a gradual climb out of the canyon at around 4,500 feet msl, the pilot heard a "pop," and the engine began shaking. She initiated troubleshooting procedures, which included adding carburetor heat, verifying the primer was locked, and enriching the fuel mixture. With the engine continuing to shake and operating at partial power, the pilot configured the airplane for best glide speed and descended toward Kooskia. During this descent, she noted smoke appearing in front of the windscreen and received an engine monitor warning message indicating a "bad probe.” The engine monitor additionally indicated that the No. 2 cylinder was not producing power by the absence of a cylinder head temperature reading. While attempting to land at the Kooskia airport, the airplane was too fast as it passed over the runway. The pilot observed large trees ahead, prompting her to briefly apply power to climb over them. Immediately thereafter, she encountered additional obstacles, including power lines, trees, and farm structures. With limited engine performance and the potential of stalling if she maneuvered back to the runway, she opted to land straight ahead in an open pasture. The airplane touched down and the left wing struck a tree, resulting in it rotating 90 degrees, and the engine impacting another tree. The wreckage was recovered to a secured facility for a future examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12