On June 13, 1987, a Cessna A185E (registration N5836J) was involved in an aviation accident near Norwood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain altitude following an in-flight engine failure during a low-altitude maneuver. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an engine quit while circling at low altitude. Despite a successful restart, the plane was too low to recover and struck a fence before crashing to the ground.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a circling maneuver at an altitude between 300 and 500 feet above ground level (AGL) when the engine suddenly stopped producing power. At the time of the failure, the aircraft was banking up to 60 degrees. The pilot initiated an engine restart procedure, which was successful; however, the aircraft had descended too low to regain sufficient altitude or control authority. Consequently, the aircraft collided with a fence and subsequently crashed to the ground, sustaining damage.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a post-accident engine run and magneto check, both of which returned normal results. A thorough examination of the aircraft did not reveal any evidence of a pre-accident failure or deficiency in the airframe or systems.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain altitude following an in-flight engine failure during a low-altitude maneuver.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Jun 1987 Cessna A185E accident near Norwood, CO?
An aircraft experienced an engine quit while circling at low altitude. Despite a successful restart, the plane was too low to recover and struck a fence before crashing to the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jun 1987 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N5836J, at Norwood, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain altitude following an in-flight engine failure during a low-altitude maneuver.
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