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NTSB Report
July 30, 2009 · Cessna A185F · N989DM
River Falls, WI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
River Falls, WI
Aircraft
Cessna A185F
Tail Number
N989DM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA477
The pilot had the airplane fueled and then departed on a cross country flight. The airplane lost engine power during descent. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted high vegetation during the forced landing. The pilot stated that he did not check the fuel tank caps before the flight. The fuel tanks did not contain fuel and fuel caps were not in-place on-scene. The airplane's preflight inspection checklist indicate that both fuel tank caps are to be checked for security.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot not checking the security of the fuel caps prior to flight leading to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent non-mechanical loss of engine power during descent.
Full Narrative
The pilot had the airplane fueled and then departed on a cross country flight. The pilot reported that the airplane lost engine power during descent to the destination airport. An off-airport landing was performed and substantial damage occurred when the airplane impacted high vegetation. The pilot stated that he did not check the fuel tank caps before the flight. The fuel tanks did not contain fuel and fuel caps were not in-place on-scene. The Cessna 185, Skywagon, owner's manual contained a preflight inspection checklist. That inspection checklist, in part, stated: 4 f. Visually check fuel quantity; then check [the right fuel tank’s] fuel filler cap secure and vent unobstructed. ... 6 a. Visually check fuel quantity; then check [the left fuel tank’s] fuel filler cap secure and vent unobstructed.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:38 CDT
Nearest AirportSouth St Paul Municipal Arpt (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN989DM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind310° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 52
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC