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NTSB Report
September 20, 1989 · Cessna 185 · N4443R
Mulchatna River, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mulchatna River, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N4443R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89LA170
BEFORE TAKING OFF FROM AN UNNAMED LAKE, THE PLT NOTED FUEL HAD SIPHONED FROM THE FUEL TANKS, BUT HE THOUGHT HE HAD ENOUGH FUEL TO GET TO PORT ALSWORTH, AK. EN ROUTE, THE ENG LOST POWER & A FORCE LANDING WAS MADE ON A SWIFT MOVING RIVER. AFTER LANDING, THE RIVER SWEPT THE FLOATPLANE REARWARED INTO AN OVER HANGING TREE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO NOSE OVER. A PERSON AT THE DEPARTURE POINT STATED THAT JUST PRIOR TO THE FLT, HE SAW FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE WING AND A SLICK ON THE WATER.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: LOSS OF FUEL THAT HAD SIPHONED (LEAKED) FROM THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE TAKEOFF AND TREE(S) OVERHANGING THE FAST MOVING RIVER.
Full Narrative
BEFORE TAKING OFF FROM AN UNNAMED LAKE, THE PLT NOTED FUEL HAD SIPHONED FROM THE FUEL TANKS, BUT HE THOUGHT HE HAD ENOUGH FUEL TO GET TO PORT ALSWORTH, AK. EN ROUTE, THE ENG LOST POWER & A FORCE LANDING WAS MADE ON A SWIFT MOVING RIVER. AFTER LANDING, THE RIVER SWEPT THE FLOATPLANE REARWARED INTO AN OVER HANGING TREE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO NOSE OVER. A PERSON AT THE DEPARTURE POINT STATED THAT JUST PRIOR TO THE FLT, HE SAW FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE WING AND A SLICK ON THE WATER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time03:25 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN4443R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
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 45 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT