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NTSB Report
October 27, 1990 · Cessna 185 · N1555F
Ridgely, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 27, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ridgely, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N1555F
Operator
Armand Soucy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO91LA007
THE ACFT WAS ON THE FIRST FLIGHT AFTER ABOUT 2 YRS OF INACTIVITY. A FERRY PERMIT WAS ISSUED FOR THE FLIGHT. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, A PRETAKEOFF ENGINE RUNUP WAS PERFORMED AND THE TAKEOFF WAS NORMAL UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED ABOUT 600 FT AGL. THE PLT REPORTED HE HEARD A POP AND MECHANICAL NOISE. THE ENGINE LOST POWER, DECREASING TO ABOUT 50% POWER. THE PLT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, SO HE STAYED IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN TO RETURN FOR LANDING. THE PLT SAID THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY AFTER HE TURNED ONTO BASE LEG. AS HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD, THE LANDING GEAR STRUCK A POWER LINE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WAS ON THE FIRST FLIGHT AFTER ABOUT 2 YRS OF INACTIVITY. A FERRY PERMIT WAS ISSUED FOR THE FLIGHT. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, A PRETAKEOFF ENGINE RUNUP WAS PERFORMED AND THE TAKEOFF WAS NORMAL UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED ABOUT 600 FT AGL. THE PLT REPORTED HE HEARD A POP AND MECHANICAL NOISE. THE ENGINE LOST POWER, DECREASING TO ABOUT 50% POWER. THE PLT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, SO HE STAYED IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN TO RETURN FOR LANDING. THE PLT SAID THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY AFTER HE TURNED ONTO BASE LEG. AS HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD, THE LANDING GEAR STRUCK A POWER LINE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:28 EDT
Nearest AirportRidgely Pelicans (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN1555F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorArmand Soucy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC