Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185F near Cambria, CA — 2012-09-09

Final reportWPR12LA411
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Date
2012-09-09
Location
Cambria, CA, USA
Airport
CMA
Aircraft
CESSNA A185F
Registration
N80SS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane sank in the ocean and was not recovered.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight over the ocean in the float-equipped airplane, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude, and the pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the water. After the pilot and his son were rescued, the airplane sank, and the wreckage was not recovered. Although the pilot reported that there might have been a problem with the turbocharger wastegate, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because the airplane sank.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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