CESSNA 172I

Full Narrative

On June 29, 2024, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172I, N46118, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that the airplane departed Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (JGG), Williamsburg, Virginia, with a destination of Topsail Airpark (01NC), Holly Ridge, North Carolina. About 1 hour after departure, while enroute to his destination at a cruise altitude of 3,500 ft mean sea level, the pilot noted the engine’s oil temperature was higher than normal and observed what appeared to be smoke coming from the engine cowling. He determined there was a possible engine fire and elected to perform a precautionary landing to a cultivated field. During the landing, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane came to rest in the field in an upright position.
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the airplane’s left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. Further examination revealed the engine’s oil cooler and cylinder fins were obstructed with a foreign material consistent with residential insulation. There was no evidence of fire or fire damage noted to the engine or airframe.
The airplane was retained for further examination.