On May 7, 1985, a Cessna 185 (registration N5313Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the pilot selected gear up but one gear indicated down. Despite recycling, checking bulbs, and hand pumping, the gear remained down. The aircraft touched down on water and nosed over. The float plate was found installed backwards.
Incident Summary
After departure, the pilot stated he selected the gear up. However, the gear indicator lights indicated that one gear was still in the down position. The pilot reported that he then recycled the gear and checked the gear indicator bulbs. He stated that he then hand pumped the gear until he believed the gear to be in the up position.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down on the water and then nosed over. Subsequent examination revealed that the gear was still down at the time of touchdown. The float plate was found to be installed backwards. FAA inspectors interviewed four witnesses who stated that all gear was in the down position. The left gear can be checked visually from the cockpit.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 May 1985 Cessna 185 accident near Ketchikan, AK?
After takeoff, the pilot selected gear up but one gear indicated down. Despite recycling, checking bulbs, and hand pumping, the gear remained down. The aircraft touched down on water and nosed over. The float plate was found installed backwards.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 May 1985 involved a Cessna 185, registration N5313Y, at Ketchikan, AK.
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