Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182K near Stevensville, MD — 2011-06-30

Final reportERA11LA399
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Date
2011-06-30
Location
Stevensville, MD, USA
Airport
W29
Aircraft
CESSNA 182K
Registration
N2888R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The airplane sat for approximately 1 year and then an annual inspection was completed. The pilot reported that he planned to remain in the local airport traffic pattern and perform takeoffs and landings. He added 15 gallons of fuel to each wing tank and did not note any anomalies during the preflight inspection. Additionally, the engine run-up and the first takeoff and landing were uneventful. During the second takeoff, about 300 feet above the ground, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a shallow salt water creek. The airplane sat in salt water for 3 days prior to recovery. It then sat another 11 days until a damage assessment determined that there was substantial damage to the wings, and the event was classified as an accident. About 3 weeks later, a mechanic examined the engine and did not note any anomalies that would have resulted in a total loss of engine power; however, by that time, the evidence was compromised due to salt water corrosion. The conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to the formation of carburetor ice at climb or cruise power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system more thoroughly before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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