Engine failure and nose-over during forced landing of amphibious airplane

Casualties unknown • Isanti, MN, US

A pilot of a single-engine amphibious float-equipped airplane performed a forced landing on a grassy field following a total engine power loss caused by crankshaft failure.

What happened

During cruise flight, the pilot of a single-engine amphibious float-equipped airplane noticed that the propeller RPM began to fluctuate. Upon attempting to adjust the RPM, the engine made several clunking sounds and suffered a total loss of power.

The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing in a grassy field. During the landing, the main float wheels contacted the surface and dug into the soft ground. As the nosewheels touched down, the airplane nosed over onto its back.

According to the aircraft's pilot operating handbook, landings on land without engine power should be conducted with the landing gear up when encountering soft or rough ground, and with the gear down only on firm or smooth ground.

Probable cause

The complete failure of the crankshaft at the forward radius of the number 3 main bearing journal.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-13 Cessna A185F accident near Isanti, MN?

A pilot of a single-engine amphibious float-equipped airplane performed a forced landing on a grassy field following a total engine power loss caused by crankshaft failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-13 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N7140H, at Isanti, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The complete failure of the crankshaft at the forward radius of the number 3 main bearing journal.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10010. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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