Accident Overview
On August 15, 2020, about 1150 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F, registration N5418E, was substantially damaged in an accident near Sugar Land, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
The pilot performed a takeoff from runway 17, which is 8,000 ft long and 100 ft wide, using intersection K where 6,418 ft of runway remained. He applied full throttle, and all engine instrument indications were normal. The liftoff and initial climb were normal. However, when the pilot made a right turn toward the destination airport, the engine lost total power. The throttle, mixture, and propeller controls were in the full forward position. The airspeed was decaying rapidly after the power loss.
The pilot selected a grass area adjacent to runway 17 for a forced landing. During the final turn toward the grass area, he fully extended the wing flaps and attempted to minimize speed. While crossing a small ditch near the grass area, the airplane stalled, impacted terrain, and skidded about 100 ft before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to the lower fuselage structure.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination by an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed no obstructions in the engine intake and exhaust systems. The fuel lines were intact and secure with no evidence of leakage. The fuel vent system was unobstructed. The engine cylinders exhibited compression, and engine drivetrain and valve train continuity was confirmed. Magneto-to-engine timing was within engine specification, and electrical continuity from the magnetos through the ignition wiring harness was confirmed.
Pilot Recommendation
The pilot recommended that intersection takeoffs should not be performed unless necessary.