Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185E near Eveleth, MN — 2024-08-14

Final reportCEN24LA316
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Date
2024-08-14
Location
Eveleth, MN, USA
Airport
9Y5
Aircraft
CESSNA A185E
Registration
N2248T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

Water contamination of the fuel system which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight.

Contributing factors

Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the float-equipped airplane had a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a lake. The pilot conducted a forced landing to an open area of grass on the lake shoreline. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down very hard with the wings level and skidded upright about 150 ft. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during the hard forced landing. The pilot stated that a few weeks before the accident the airplane was exposed to a significant rain event. He stated he drained fuel and checked for water before the flight, but did not observe any water contamination. The left- and right-wing fuel cap seals exhibited deterioration and discoloration around the outer surface but were otherwise pliable. The fuel cap sealing surfaces on both wings were corroded. Examination of the fuel that was collected at the accident scene revealed about 1 gallon of water in the bottom of the collection tank. Based on the airframe examination, it is likely that rainwater entered the fuel tanks due to the poor condition of the fuel caps and their respective wing sealing surfaces. A postaccident engine run was conducted, and the engine started, idled, and accelerated without hesitation. In the absence of a mechanical engine malfunction, the total loss of engine power was likely due to water contamination ingested by the engine shortly after takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a more thorough preflight fuel contamination check.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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