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NTSB Report
June 16, 1987 · Cessna 205C · N1823Z
Bowling Green, KY
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Aircraft
Cessna 205C
Tail Number
N1823Z
Operator
Zeemack Aircraft Sales
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL87FA168
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM BOWLING GREEN, THE PILOT REPORTED A PROBLEM. HE DID NOT REPORT THE DETAILS OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WITNESSES HEARD THE AIRCRAFT BACKFIRING AS IT DESCENDED. THE AIRCRAFT HAD TAKEN ON FUEL AT BOWLING GREEN. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO CONCLUSIVELY DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED AIRCRAFT PROBLEM. THE IMPACT AND POST CRASH FIRE DESTROYED THE AIRFRAME AND PREVENTED A COMPLETE INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE'S IGNITION AND FUEL SYSTEMS. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE EXAM DISCLOSED THAT BOTH THE PISTON AND VALVE TOPS WERE FREE OF COMBUSTION CARBON.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM BOWLING GREEN, THE PILOT REPORTED A PROBLEM. HE DID NOT REPORT THE DETAILS OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WITNESSES HEARD THE AIRCRAFT BACKFIRING AS IT DESCENDED. THE AIRCRAFT HAD TAKEN ON FUEL AT BOWLING GREEN. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO CONCLUSIVELY DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED AIRCRAFT PROBLEM. THE IMPACT AND POST CRASH FIRE DESTROYED THE AIRFRAME AND PREVENTED A COMPLETE INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE'S IGNITION AND FUEL SYSTEMS. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE EXAM DISCLOSED THAT BOTH THE PISTON AND VALVE TOPS WERE FREE OF COMBUSTION CARBON.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBowling Green (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length6500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 205C
Tail NumberN1823Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorZeemack Aircraft Sales
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:50
Weather SourceWFAC