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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 21, 1995 · Cessna A185E · N748

Hillsboro, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hillsboro, OR
Aircraft
Cessna A185E
Tail Number
N748
Operator
Wittenberg Dennis E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA95LA040

THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF, THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN FULL POWER AND ELECTED TO EXECUTE A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN SOFT FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH SOFT TERRAIN AND THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE FOUND TO INDICATE A MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SUSPECTED FUEL CONTAMINATION; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUBSTANTIATE THIS CLAIM.

NTSB Probable Cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

Full Narrative

On January 21, 1995, at 1430 Pacific standard time, a Cessna A185E, N748, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after take off from the Starks Twin Oaks Airport, Hillsboro, Oregon. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an open field where during the landing roll, the airplane collided with the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The pilot reported that after the airplane attained an altitude of 1,500 feet, he leveled off. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power to idle. The pilot was unable to regain full power to the engine and he elected to execute a forced landing to an open soft field. During the landing roll, the landing gear separated and the right wing was damaged. During an engine examination, there was no evidence found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot stated that he suspected possible fuel contamination, however, there was no evidence to substantiate this claim.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185E
Tail NumberN748
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWittenberg Dennis E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D23 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 15 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data