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Casualties unknown

1999-06-10: Cessna A185F (N4211C) — Farmington, NM

Farmington, NM, US

On June 10, 1999, a Cessna A185F (registration N4211C) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to see and avoid a ground obstruction. Factors were the throttle linkage becoming disconnected due to an inadequate annual inspection by maintenance personnel, and a dirt berm. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After an engine power loss and forced landing, a pilot attempted takeoff from a field. During liftoff, the left main landing gear struck a dirt mound, shearing the mounting bolt and causing gear separation. The pilot returned to the airport and landed on the left wing tip.

Initial Incident

Shortly after takeoff, engine power dropped to idle. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field located three miles north of the airport. Following the landing, a mechanic from the airport examined the engine and discovered that the throttle cable had become disconnected from the throttle linkage. The disconnection was attributed to looseness of the nut and bolt securing the connection.

Repairs and Subsequent Takeoff

While the mechanic performed the necessary repairs to the throttle cable, the pilot inspected the field and determined that there was sufficient clearance for a takeoff. After the repairs were completed, the pilot attempted to take off from the field. As the airplane lifted off, the left main landing gear struck a mound of dirt. The impact sheared the mounting bolt, causing the left main landing gear to detach from the airplane.

Landing

With the left main landing gear missing, the pilot flew back to the airport and landed the airplane. During the landing, the airplane came to rest on its left wing tip.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18987. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.