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NTSB Report
November 8, 1984 · Cessna 185C · N5831T
Williston, ND
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 8, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Williston, ND
Aircraft
Cessna 185C
Tail Number
N5831T
Operator
Statco
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85LA024
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A BRIDGE DURING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF AFTER FAILING TO GET AIRBORNE. THE PLT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF BUTTHE ACFT FAILED TO STOP IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A RAILROAD BRIDGE ABUTMENT MADE OF CONCRETE. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ACFT HAD BEEN SUBJECTED TO SUB-FREEZING TEMPS WITH WATER INSIDE THE PONTOONS. THE SWELLING FROM THE FREEZING WATER (ICE) COMPROMISED THE FLOATS WHICH DEVELOPED LEAKS OF SEVERE NATURE; ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE ACFT TO SINK IN AN EST TWO HOURS. THE REASON THE ACFT DID NOT SINK WHEN LEFT UNATTENTED FOR 2 WKS WAS BECAUSE IT WAS AGROUND. WHEN THE PLT PUMPED THE WATER (NO ICE INSIDE ACCORDING TO HIM) OUT AND LAUNCHED THE ACFT HE MADE NO FURTHER PRE-FLT CHECKS BUT IMMEDIATELY STARTED A TAKEOFF TAXI.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A BRIDGE DURING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF AFTER FAILING TO GET AIRBORNE. THE PLT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF BUTTHE ACFT FAILED TO STOP IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A RAILROAD BRIDGE ABUTMENT MADE OF CONCRETE. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ACFT HAD BEEN SUBJECTED TO SUB-FREEZING TEMPS WITH WATER INSIDE THE PONTOONS. THE SWELLING FROM THE FREEZING WATER (ICE) COMPROMISED THE FLOATS WHICH DEVELOPED LEAKS OF SEVERE NATURE; ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE ACFT TO SINK IN AN EST TWO HOURS. THE REASON THE ACFT DID NOT SINK WHEN LEFT UNATTENTED FOR 2 WKS WAS BECAUSE IT WAS AGROUND. WHEN THE PLT PUMPED THE WATER (NO ICE INSIDE ACCORDING TO HIM) OUT AND LAUNCHED THE ACFT HE MADE NO FURTHER PRE-FLT CHECKS BUT IMMEDIATELY STARTED A TAKEOFF TAXI.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 MST
Nearest Airport2nm SE
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 185C
Tail NumberN5831T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStatco
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC