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Casualties unknown

Cessna crashes into ocean following in-flight engine failure (N4863C)

Seward, AK, US

On April 26, 1985, a Cessna 206 (registration N4863C) operated by John Foode was involved in an aviation accident near Seward, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A broken crankshaft that led to an in-flight engine failure, with the specific cause of the fracture undetermined due to salt water damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during cruise flight, resulting in a crash landing attempt on a beach that ended in the water. The pilot survived the incident.

What happened

The aircraft was operating in cruise flight when the engine suddenly quit. The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing on a nearby beach but was unable to avoid impact with the water, resulting in a crash.

The investigation

Recovery of the aircraft was delayed, and the engine was not located for several days after the accident occurred. Due to this delay, salt water damage prevented any meaningful mechanical analysis of the shaft failure.

Findings

According to the operator, the engine failure was attributed to a broken crankshaft. The inability to analyze the specific cause of the breakage was directly linked to the corrosion caused by submersion in salt water.

Probable cause

A broken crankshaft that led to an in-flight engine failure, with the specific cause of the fracture undetermined due to salt water damage.
Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 1985 Cessna 206 accident near Seward, AK?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during cruise flight, resulting in a crash landing attempt on a beach that ended in the water. The pilot survived the incident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 1985 involved a Cessna 206, registration N4863C, operated by John Foode, at Seward, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A broken crankshaft that led to an in-flight engine failure, with the specific cause of the fracture undetermined due to salt water damage.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36070. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.