On December 14, 1991, a Cessna 185 (registration N2212T) operated by Gerald O'brien Salazar was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL WHILE MANEUVERING FOR A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. FACTORS INCLUDE A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND INADEQUATE ALTITUDE FOR THE MANEUVER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane on a Special VFR clearance struck the water during a precautionary landing after the engine sputtered when power was reduced. No problems were found with the engine or airplane.
Accident Sequence
The airplane had just taken off behind another airplane, both operating under a Special VFR clearance. According to the pilot, after reaching about 350 feet above ground level (AGL), he began to lose sight of the other airplane due to low clouds. When the pilot reduced power to stop the climb, the engine sputtered. In response, the pilot attempted to execute a steep 180-degree descending turn to make a precautionary landing into the wind. However, the airplane hit the water in a nose-low attitude before the turn was completed.
Investigation Findings
No problems were found with the engine or the airplane during the post-accident investigation. The pilot's statement provided the account of the events.
What happened in the 14 Dec 1991 Cessna 185 accident near Ketchikan, AK?
An airplane on a Special VFR clearance struck the water during a precautionary landing after the engine sputtered when power was reduced. No problems were found with the engine or airplane.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Dec 1991 involved a Cessna 185, registration N2212T, operated by Gerald O'brien Salazar, at Ketchikan, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
AN INADVERTENT STALL WHILE MANEUVERING FOR A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. FACTORS INCLUDE A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND INADEQUATE ALTITUDE FOR THE MANEUVER.
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