On December 19, 1983, a Cessna C-185-D (registration N5886T) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff following a power loss. The pilot reported smoke entering the cockpit from heat vents and mistakenly pulled the engine cut off, thinking it was the cabin air control. The aircraft crash-landed in a gravel pit half a mile from departure.
Incident
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff after experiencing a power loss. The aircraft came to rest in a gravel pit approximately half a mile from its initial point of departure.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that smoke entered the cockpit from the heat vents. Believing the smoke was from residual oil spilled on the engine during a recent oil change, the pilot intended to adjust the cabin air control. However, the pilot mistakenly pulled the engine cut off, which led to the power loss.
Investigation
A maintenance inspection was conducted following the accident. The inspection did not reveal any preimpact failure or malfunction of the aircraft or its systems.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Dec 1983 Cessna C-185-D accident near Anchorage, AK?
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff following a power loss. The pilot reported smoke entering the cockpit from heat vents and mistakenly pulled the engine cut off, thinking it was the cabin air control. The aircraft crash-landed in a gravel pit half a mile from departure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Dec 1983 involved a Cessna C-185-D, registration N5886T, at Anchorage, AK.
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