NTSB Factual Report

On May 18, 2018, about 0809 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182D airplane, N9163X, experienced a total loss of engine power while maneuvering near Crescent Mills, California. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing into a river. The private pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The airplane was privately owned and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Benton Field Airport (O85), Redding, California at 0700 and was destined for Gansner Field Airport (2O1), Quincy, California.

The pilot reported that as he approached the destination airport, he observed low fog in the valley. He executed a long counter-clockwise circle around the valley and the fog. At the tail end of the circle, and at a low power setting, the engine abruptly lost all power. The pilot established the best glide angle and proceeded towards a river. The pilot tried to re-start the engine with no success. He continued the descent and landed the airplane in the river. The airplane impacted rocks and came to rest nose down with the left wing in the water.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.