Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 185 near Kenai, AK — 2011-07-25

Final reportANC11LA068
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Date
2011-07-25
Location
Kenai, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 185
Registration
N9852X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, resulting in the ditching and sinking of the airplane in ocean waters.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was on an over-water leg of a cross-country flight, when the engine went to low idle rpm. Unable to restore sufficient power to remain airborne, he landed the float-equipped airplane in large ocean swells, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The airplane landed hard, and the floats separated from the airplane. The airplane sank, and was not recovered. It is unknown what precipitated the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at a closer location before engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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