Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185F near Homer, AK — 2023-09-18

Final reportANC23LA080
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Date
2023-09-18
Location
Homer, AK, USA
Airport
5BL
Aircraft
CESSNA A185F
Registration
N7558H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a local sightseeing flight with two passengers. Shortly after takeoff, about treetop height, the engine exhibited a loss of power. The pilot turned on the electric boost pump and power was briefly restored before the engine lost all power. He stated that the propeller was windmilling and that the fuel flow gauge indicated no fuel flow. He performed a forced landing to a marsh, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. An engine examination revealed fuel in the gascolator; fuel system finger screens were free of debris. The fuel from the left and right wing sumps and belly sumps were contaminated with water and debris from being submerged in the marsh. The electrical fuel pump and the engine-driven fuel pump were removed and no anomalies were noted. The engine was manually rotated and internal continuity was confirmed and thumb compression was obtained. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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