Accident Details
On September 18, 2023, at about 1400 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna A185F airplane, registration N7558H, was substantially damaged in an accident near Homer, Alaska. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, just after takeoff from the water, at approximately treetop height, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot activated the electric boost pump, which briefly restored power before the engine lost all power. The pilot reported that the propeller was windmilling and the fuel flow gauge indicated no fuel flow. He executed a forced landing to a marsh, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft was recovered from the marsh. Approximately 10 to 15 gallons of fuel remained in the wing tanks and were drained. An engine examination revealed fuel present in the gascolator, and the finger screens were free of debris. Fuel samples from the left and right wing sumps and belly sumps were contaminated with water and debris.
The electrical fuel pump was removed and actuated; it pushed fuel through to the engine-driven fuel pump. The engine-driven fuel pump was bench tested and performed within specifications. The engine was manually rotated, internal continuity was confirmed, and thumb compression was obtained. The magnetos were removed and spark was observed on all leads. The upper spark plugs exhibited normal wear.