On March 16, 1986, a Cessna A185E (registration N70010) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance from a suitable landing area, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees and power lines after an engine failure caused by long-term exposure of the engine-driven fuel pump to water in the fuel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft suffered engine failure shortly after takeoff due to a fuel pump damaged by water in the fuel system, resulting in a crash into trees and power lines.
What happened
The aircraft experienced an engine failure while climbing after takeoff. Following the loss of power, the pilot was unable to maintain altitude or reach a suitable landing area. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and power lines before coming to rest on a residential street in the city.
The investigation
Post-acc examination revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump had failed. The failure was attributed to long-term exposure to water within the fuel system. Investigators collected more than two quarts of water from the aircraft's fuel tanks after the crash, confirming significant contamination.
Findings
The primary mechanical cause was the failure of the engine-driven fuel pump due to water contamination. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misjudgment regarding altitude and distance from a suitable landing area during the emergency.
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance from a suitable landing area, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees and power lines after an engine failure caused by long-term exposure of the engine-driven fuel pump to water in the fuel.
What happened in the 16 Mar 1986 Cessna A185E accident near Anchorage, AK?
An aircraft suffered engine failure shortly after takeoff due to a fuel pump damaged by water in the fuel system, resulting in a crash into trees and power lines.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Mar 1986 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N70010, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance from a suitable landing area, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees and power lines after an engine failure caused by long-term exposure of the engine-driven fuel pump to water in the fuel.
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