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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 16, 2004 · Cessna A185E · N185TY

Hastings, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 16, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Hastings, MN
Aircraft
Cessna A185E
Tail Number
N185TY
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA105

The floatplane sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain following a loss of engine power during initial climb from a lake. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The pilot reported that he warmed the engine and taxied around the lake on step before that takeoff. He stated that the fuel valve was in the off position. He said that he put the floatplane between two small rows of pine trees about 20 feet apart. He reported no mechanical malfunctions with the floatplane in reference to that flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not verifying the fuel selector valve's position during the preflight leading to the fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power during the flight's initial climb.

Full Narrative

On April 16, 2004, about 1400 central daylight time, a Cessna A185E floatplane, sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain following a loss of engine power during initial climb from Lake Isabelle, near Hastings, Minnesota. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he warmed the engine and taxied around the lake on step before that takeoff. The floatplane lost engine power during the initial climb and the pilot said that he put the floatplane between two small rows of pine trees about 20 feet apart. He reported no mechanical malfunctions with the floatplane in reference to that flight. He stated that the fuel valve was in the off position. At 1353, the recorded Sky Meadow Airport, near Hastings, Minnesota, was: Wind calm; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 22 degrees C; dew point 3 degrees C; altimeter 29.85 inches of mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185E
Tail NumberN185TY
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D92 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360°
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time19:13
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data