Casualties unknown

Forced Landing and Nose Over After Engine Failure During Takeoff (N8700Z)

Petersburg, AK, US

On August 24, 1983, a Cessna 185 SKYWAGON (registration N8700Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Petersburg, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft made a forced landing in a marshy area and nosed over after the engine quit during takeoff. The pilot reported the engine sputtered at about 100 feet AGL, then quit after a throttle adjustment.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft experienced an engine failure during the takeoff phase, resulting in a forced landing in a marshy area. According to the pilot, after takeoff and during a right turn at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine began to sputter. The pilot made a slight adjustment to the throttle, after which the engine quit entirely.

Pilot Actions

Following the engine failure, the pilot turned the aircraft back toward the airport and executed a forced landing in a marshy field close to the runway. The aircraft nosed over during the landing.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he believes water contamination in the fuel may have caused the engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 1983 Cessna 185 SKYWAGON accident near Petersburg, AK?

An aircraft made a forced landing in a marshy area and nosed over after the engine quit during takeoff. The pilot reported the engine sputtered at about 100 feet AGL, then quit after a throttle adjustment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 1983 involved a Cessna 185 SKYWAGON, registration N8700Z, at Petersburg, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44366. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.