On May 9, 1995, a Cessna A185F (registration N1684R) was involved in an aviation accident near Oroville, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE FLIGHT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DETERIORATED SEAL(S) ON THE FUEL TANK CAP(S), NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO PREVENT WATER LEAKING… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported rising EGT after takeoff; engine lost power on downwind, leading to a collision with trees short of the runway. Water was found in the fuel system, and fuel cap seals were deteriorated.
Event Description
During a departure, the pilot observed that the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) was increasing after the airplane had climbed to approximately 700 feet. She turned onto the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, at which point the engine lost power. Unable to reach the airport, the aircraft collided with trees short of Runway 33.
Investigation Findings
An inspection of the aircraft revealed water in the fuel system. The fuel filler cap seals and sealing seats were found to be cracked and deteriorated. Additionally, a review of the aircraft logbook indicated that Airworthiness Directive (AD) 84-10-01 had not been complied with. This AD addresses the prevention of water contamination due to leaking cap seals.
Additional Information
The pilot's account and the subsequent findings highlight the presence of water contamination and non-compliance with a relevant AD. No other factors were reported in the source material.
What happened in the 9 May 1995 Cessna A185F accident near Oroville, WA?
A pilot reported rising EGT after takeoff; engine lost power on downwind, leading to a collision with trees short of the runway. Water was found in the fuel system, and fuel cap seals were deteriorated.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 May 1995 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N1684R, at Oroville, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE FLIGHT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DETERIORATED SEAL(S) ON THE FUEL TANK CAP(S), NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO PREVENT WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE CAPS, AND THE PROXIMITY OF TREES IN THE EMERGENCY…
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