# NTSB ANC85LA095: Cessna 185, N75LE, Kantishna, AK, June 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1985, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Kantishna, AK
- Location: 63.5249° N, 150.9599° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Kantishna, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=63.5249&lon=-150.9599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4500
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4500/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA095

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - fluid,hydraulic - leak
  - hydraulic system,line - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,normal brake system - failure,partial (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ON A FLT FROM FAIRBANKS TO KANTISHNA, AK; HOWEVER, THE RWY AT KANTISHNA WAS MUDDY, SO HE ELECTED TO RETURN TO FAIRBANKS. WHILE RETURNING, HE ELECTED TO LAND AT AN ABANDONED MINE STRIP FOR A COMFORT STOP. DURING THE LANDING, A HYDRAULIC LINE TO THE RIGHT BRAKE FAILED & THAT BRAKE BECAME INOP. THE PLT INTENTIONALLY GROUND LOOPED THE ACFT TO AVOID A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN EMBANKMENT. HOWEVER, THE TAIL SECTION HIT THE EMBANKMENT CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT. THE PLT SAID THE LINE WAS LEAKING BEFORE TAKEOFF & HE HAD TIGHTENED THE FITTING. HE REPORTED THAT THE RIGID LINE'S FLARED END FAILED, PERMITTING A RAPID LOSS OF PRESSURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N75LE](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N75LE), registered now, S/N 185-0870, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 185
- Registry model: [Cessna 185D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185d) (registry code 2072812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 185-0870
- Airframe hours: 2221
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ken R. Mendes
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 14, 1985
- Departed: 2Z5, FAIRBANKS, AK
- Destination: 5Z5, FAIRBANKS, AK
- Airport: Abandoned Mine Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 650 total, 365 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 80 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850614025899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850614025899A), Jun 14, 1985: Cessna 185D, Kantishna, AK, Substantial damage. Right brake failed after landing on a mine strip. Jammed other brake and ground looped. Brake line worn and leaking

## Other investigations on N75LE (5)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC13CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA075), Aug 8, 2013: Cessna 185D (N75LE), North Pole, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The malfunction of the right main wheel brake during taxi due to a faulty O-ring in the right brake pedal master cylinder.
- [NTSB ANC93LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93LA086), May 23, 1993: Cessna 185 (N75LE), Barrow, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR SPRING.
- [NTSB ANC89LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA111), Jul 1, 1989: Cessna 185 (N75LE), Fairbanks, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. THE CROSSWIND AND GUSTS WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
- [NTSB ANC87LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA027), Jan 27, 1987: Cessna 185D (N75LE), North Pole, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC81DA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81DA006), Nov 26, 1980: Cessna 185 (N75LE), Fort Yukon, AK, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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