On September 2, 1991, a Cessna A185F (registration N93272) operated by Ralph A. Hassall was involved in an aviation accident near Conchas Dam, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LANDING GEAR LOCKING MECHANISM LOOSE, LANDING GEAR WHEEL DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY, AND MAINTENANCE ALIGNMENT NOT PERFORMED. FACTORS WERE: PROPELLER GOVERNOR UNDERSPEED, MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENT NOT CORRECTED, AND LOWERING OF FLAPS NOT PERFORMED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane waterlooed during takeoff run after nearly waterlooing on the previous landing. Postaccident examination found improper rigging of the landing gear cable and a propeller governor adjustment issue.
Accident Overview
The airplane experienced a waterloop during the takeoff run. This event followed a nearly similar incident on the previous landing, during which the aircraft had nearly waterlooed.
Postaccident Findings
Examination after the accident revealed that the landing gear cable was improperly rigged. This misrigging allowed the left aft pontoon wheel to deploy, which likely affected the aircraft's handling characteristics on the water. Additionally, the propeller governor was not properly adjusted, preventing the engine from attaining maximum RPM.
Video and Operational Observations
Review of the accident video tape showed that the aircraft had attained sufficient flying speed during the takeoff run. However, the pilot did not deploy the takeoff flaps. The combination of these factors is documented in the investigation report.
What happened in the 2 Sept 1991 Cessna A185F accident near Conchas Dam, NM?
An airplane waterlooed during takeoff run after nearly waterlooing on the previous landing. Postaccident examination found improper rigging of the landing gear cable and a propeller governor adjustment issue.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N93272, operated by Ralph A. Hassall, at Conchas Dam, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
LANDING GEAR LOCKING MECHANISM LOOSE, LANDING GEAR WHEEL DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY, AND MAINTENANCE ALIGNMENT NOT PERFORMED. FACTORS WERE: PROPELLER GOVERNOR UNDERSPEED, MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENT NOT CORRECTED, AND LOWERING OF FLAPS NOT PERFORMED.
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