Casualties unknown

Aircraft Nosed Over in Pond After Landing Gear Circuit Breaker Popped (N9667Q)

N New Portland, ME, US

On October 23, 1994, a Cessna A185F (registration N9667Q) operated by Austin J Lopez was involved in an aviation accident near N New Portland, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that due to his frequent landings on paved runways, he misinterpreted the landing gear green indicator lights. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after departing from a paved airport, he retracted the landing gear but did not notice a popped circuit breaker. Upon landing in a pond, the gear struck the water and the aircraft nosed over.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that after departing from a paved airport, he completed the checklist and retracted the landing gear following takeoff. He did not notice that the circuit breaker for the landing gear had popped. Later, when the aircraft touched down in a pond, the landing gear struck the water, and the aircraft nosed over.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that due to his frequent landings on paved runways, he misinterpreted the landing gear green indicator lights. He also mentioned that the circuit breaker for the landing gear had popped, which he had not noticed during his procedures.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that due to his frequent landings on paved runways, he misinterpreted the landing gear green indicator lights.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Oct 1994 Cessna A185F accident near N New Portland, ME?

A pilot reported that after departing from a paved airport, he retracted the landing gear but did not notice a popped circuit breaker. Upon landing in a pond, the gear struck the water and the aircraft nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Oct 1994 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N9667Q, operated by Austin J Lopez, at N New Portland, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot stated that due to his frequent landings on paved runways, he misinterpreted the landing gear green indicator lights.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02387. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.