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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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May 9, 1985 · Consolidated-Vultee PBY-5A · N84857

Lewistown, MT

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Lewistown, MT
Aircraft
Consolidated-Vultee PBY-5A
Tail Number
N84857
Operator
Government of Israel
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85FA131

DURING TAXI TO TAKEOFF THE BRAKES FAILED. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO GROUNDLOOP THE ACFT. THE ACFT ROLLED DOWN HILL AND COLLIDED WITH A GULLY. THE PLT WAS FATALLY INJURED. DURING PREFLIGHT THE CO-PLT INADVERTENTLY ADDED HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE ALCOHOL TANK. THE HYDRAULIC PUMP CAVITATED. THE PLT FAILED TO USE THE HYDRAULIC EMERGENCY HAND PUMP OR THE A.C. ELECTRIC PUMP.

Full Narrative

DURING TAXI TO TAKEOFF THE BRAKES FAILED. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO GROUNDLOOP THE ACFT. THE ACFT ROLLED DOWN HILL AND COLLIDED WITH A GULLY. THE PLT WAS FATALLY INJURED. DURING PREFLIGHT THE CO-PLT INADVERTENTLY ADDED HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE ALCOHOL TANK. THE HYDRAULIC PUMP CAVITATED. THE PLT FAILED TO USE THE HYDRAULIC EMERGENCY HAND PUMP OR THE A.C. ELECTRIC PUMP.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:44 MDT
Nearest AirportLewistown (0nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length7984 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftConsolidated-Vultee PBY-5A
Tail NumberN84857
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGovernment of Israel
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1830-94-M2 · Reciprocating · 1350
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 3 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:52
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data