Accident Details
On July 22, 2012, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A185F, registration N5168E, was substantially damaged after a partial loss of engine power and subsequent collision with terrain near Mapleton, Maine. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from a private airstrip in Ashland, Maine, at about 1330, with a destination of Presque Isle Airport (KPQI), Presque Isle, Maine.
According to the pilot, he departed with approximately 26 to 28 gallons of fuel onboard for the one-hour flight to PQI, intending to refuel there. While flying north of PQI at an altitude between 2,500 and 3,000 feet mean sea level with an engine power setting of 2,500 rpm, he noticed a sudden decrease in engine power that sounded like the engine was being “throttled back.” At that time, the right wing fuel tank indicated a “very low” fuel level, while the left tank gauge showed about one-quarter full.
As reported by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot initially stated he had the fuel selector on the left tank. After the power loss, he switched to the right tank and activated the fuel boost pump. The engine appeared to regain some power but lost it shortly afterward, at which point he placed the fuel selector in the “Both” position. In his statement to the NTSB, the pilot said he turned the fuel selector from “Both” to the left tank, activated the high-power setting of the boost pump, then rotated to the right tank. The boost pump remained on high power for the remainder of the flight. With the engine producing only low power, the pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the airplane struck trees, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate and had logged about 430 hours total flight time, with 202 hours in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent third-class FAA medical certificate was issued on September 9, 2010.
The 1979-manufactured Cessna A185F was equipped with a Continental IO-520-D, 300-horsepower reciprocating engine and amphibious landing gear. According to maintenance records, the most recent annual inspection was completed on May 12, 2012. At that time, the airframe had accumulated 3,437.4 total flight hours, and the engine had 3,382.2 hours.
Fuel System Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the scene, about 2 nautical miles north of PQI. Substantial damage to the airframe was confirmed, and fuel was present in the left wing tank, but the right tank was inaccessible for verification. The left and right tank fuel vents showed no obstructions. Three days after the accident, the airplane was recovered, and about 10 to 12 gallons of fuel were drained from the left wing tank, while the right wing tank was empty. A mechanic reported that neither wing tank had been breached.
The fuel bowl and selector were drained without evidence of contamination. No contamination was found in the fuel tanks or screens. An external fuel tank was connected directly to the fuel selector, and a propeller was installed on the engine. The engine was started, warmed up for 2 to 3 minutes, and then tested. A magneto check revealed no anomalies. The engine ran for approximately 15 minutes at various power settings, accelerating without hesitation and running smoothly. Unobstructed fuel flow from the tanks to the selector was confirmed; the selector operated through its full range with no anomalies. Subsequent examination showed no abnormalities with the spark plugs or engine fuel filter bowl.
Weather Information
The 1845 automated weather observation at PQI reported winds from 220 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, broken cloud layers at 7,000 and 8,000 feet, temperature 27°C, dew point 13°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of mercury.