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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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NTSB Report

September 9, 2012 · Cessna A185F · N80SS

Cambria, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cambria, CA
Aircraft
Cessna A185F
Tail Number
N80SS
Operator
Aircapital Nevada
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12LA411

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight over the ocean in the float-equipped airplane, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude, and the pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the water. After the pilot and his son were rescued, the airplane sank, and the wreckage was not recovered. Although the pilot reported that there might have been a problem with the turbocharger wastegate, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because the airplane sank.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane sank in the ocean and was not recovered.

Full Narrative

On September 9, 2012, about 1545 Pacific daylight time, a float equipped Cessna A185F, N80SS, made an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean, about 16 miles northwest of Cambria, California. The commercial pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane subsequently sank in 6-foot swells and was not recovered. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed the Camarillo Airport (CMA), Camarillo, California, at an undetermined time. The flight was destined for Canada, and no flight plan had been filed.According to rescue personnel, the pilot reported that the airplane lost manifold pressure. He made an emergency landing on the ocean, and shortly after being rescued by the Coast Guard, the airplane sank. In an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (NTSB IIC), the pilot stated that the engine experienced a partial power loss, with not enough power to keep the airplane airborne, and it was as if someone had pulled the throttle back. The pilot stated that the manifold pressure was at 13 inches. He stated that he pointed the airplane into the swells, and made the forced landing. The pilot did not return a pilot/operators report; however, he provided a full statement to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2012/September/13/Power-loss-over-rough-seas). In this report, the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to go on an annual fishing trip with this son. They were about 1,700 feet when there was a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the engine did not sputter; it was more as if someone had pulled the throttle back. The pilot further reported that the engine would not produce more than 15 inches of manifold pressure; he surmised that there may have been a problem with the turbocharger wastegate.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 PDT
Nearest AirportCamarillo (143nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN80SS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAircapital Nevada
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 77 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data