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April 11, 2021 · Cessna 182H · N2030X

Blakely Island, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 11, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Blakely Island, WA
Aircraft
Cessna 182H (1965)
Tail Number
N2030X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA156

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, he made a right turn and paralleled the eastern shoreline of the island. While over the water, at an altitude of about 700 ft above ground level, the engine sputtered once followed by a complete loss of power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to the water near the shoreline. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and became submerged in about 50 ft of water. Postaccident examination of the recovered airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during climb for reasons that could not be determined which resulted in a forced water landing.

Full Narrative

On April 11, 2021, about 1615 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182H, N2030X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Blakely Island, Washington. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, on the day of the accident flight, he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane and drained fuel from each of the wing fuel sumps that appeared blue in color and clear of debris. Shortly after departing from runway 1 at Blakley Island Airport (38WA), he made a right turn and paralleled the eastern shoreline of the island. During climb out, he set the engine power settings to 22” manifold pressure and 2,300 RPM. While over the waters of the Rosario Strait, at an altitude of about 700 ft above ground level, the engine sputtered once followed by a complete loss of power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to the water near the shoreline. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and became submerged in about 50 ft of salt water. The pilot further reported that, the airplane had been refueled on February 27, 2021, in Anacortes, Washington and had been flown for about 2 hours before to the accident. The airplane was relocated to Skagit Regional Airport (KBVS), Burlington/Mount Vernon, Washington for the annual inspection. The airplane was kept out of weather until the day before the accident flight, where it was relocated and positioned on the ramp at 38WA. Both days were sunny, warm and dry. Postaccident examination of the recovered airframe and engine revealed that both wings were substantially damaged. The recovery personnel had drained the fuel from both fuel tanks and moved the fuel selector lever from both to the off position. Visual inspection of the left and right fuel caps revealed that both fuel caps rubber seals appeared worn. Corrosion was observed on the left and right fuel filler port. The left- and right-wing fuel tanks exhibited wrinkles along the bottom of the fuel tank bladders. Throttle, carburetor heat and mixture control continuity were established from the cockpit controls to the carburetor and all levers moved from stop to stop when actuated by hand. The engine’s crankshaft was rotated by hand, and continuity was established throughout the engine and valve train. Examination of the cylinders with a lighted borescope revealed no anomalies. A small amount of water and fuel was present throughout the fuel system, carburetor, and gascolator. Debris and corrosion within the fuel system consistent with submersion in salt water was observed. Subsequent examination of the magnetos revealed that significant corrosion was present in both magnetos. The corrosion prevented a functional check of the magnetos. Examination of the recovered airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182H
Tail NumberN2030X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R74B · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Basc

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 27 C
Altimeter30.38 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data