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NTSB Report

August 15, 2020 · Cessna A185F · N5418E

Sugar Land, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 15, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Sugar Land, TX
Aircraft
Cessna A185F (1979)
Tail Number
N5418E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA338

The pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff, the engine lost total power. He stated that the airplane airspeed decayed quickly, and he chose to land in a grass area next to the departure runway. In the final turn toward the grass area, he selected full flaps and tried to slow the airplane, but the airplane stalled, then impacted terrain and skidded about 100 ft before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the lower fuselage structure. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

On August 15, 2020, about 1150 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N5418E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sugar Land, Texas. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that he performed a takeoff from runway 17 (8,000 ft by 100 ft), at intersection K, from which point there was 6,418 ft of runway remaining. The pilot stated that when he applied full throttle for takeoff, all engine instrument indications were normal. He said the liftoff and initial climb were normal, but when he made a right turn toward the destination airport, the engine lost total power. He stated that the cockpit throttle, mixture, and propeller controls were full forward, and that the airspeed was "decaying fast" after the power loss. He chose a grass area next to runway 17 to land the airplane. In the final turn toward the grass area, he fully extended the wing flaps and tried to slow the airplane as much as possible. He stated that the airplane stalled while trying to cross a small ditch near the grass area, and the airplane then impacted terrain and skidded about 100 ft before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the lower fuselage structure. The pilot’s safety recommendation was not to perform intersection takeoffs unless it was necessary. Postaccident examination of the airplane by an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed no obstructions to the engine intake and exhaust systems. The fuel lines were intact and secure with no evidence of leakage. The fuel vent system was unobstructed. The engine cylinders exhibited compression and engine drivetrain and valve train continuity was confirmed. Magneto-to-engine timing was within engine specification, and electrical continuity from the magnetos through the ignition wiring harness was confirmed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 CDT
Nearest AirportSugar Land Regional Airport (0nm S)
Runway17
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN5418E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550-D13B · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data