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NTSB Report
March 5, 1989 · Cessna 185 · N79PK
Bellingham, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 5, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bellingham, WA
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N79PK
Operator
Reginald T Pfeiffer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA89LA054
THE PILOT AND PASSENGER STATED THAT ICE HAD ACCUMULATED ON THE AIRPLANE DURING THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FATIGUED FROM THE LONG FLIGHT. THE PASSENGER ESTIMATED THE ICE WAS ABOUT 1 TO 2 INCHES THICK AND THAT ON THE BASE TO FINAL TURN THE AIRPLANE BANKED TO APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES. THE RATE OF DESCENT INCREASED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT BEFORE THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE APPROACH LIGHTS BEFORE COMING TO REST.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF LIFT DUE TO ICE ACCUMULATION ON THE WINGS, HIS FAILURE TO CONTROL THE RATE OF DESCENT, AND POOR INFLIGHT DECISION MAKING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FATIGUE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND PASSENGER STATED THAT ICE HAD ACCUMULATED ON THE AIRPLANE DURING THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FATIGUED FROM THE LONG FLIGHT. THE PASSENGER ESTIMATED THE ICE WAS ABOUT 1 TO 2 INCHES THICK AND THAT ON THE BASE TO FINAL TURN THE AIRPLANE BANKED TO APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES. THE RATE OF DESCENT INCREASED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT BEFORE THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE APPROACH LIGHTS BEFORE COMING TO REST.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:52 PST
Nearest AirportBellingham (0nm N)
Runway16
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN79PK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorReginald T Pfeiffer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC