# NTSB CHI86LA135: Cessna 182P, N21139, Indianapolis, IN, May 1, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 1, 1986, 08:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Indianapolis, IN
- Coordinates: 39.8992, -86.060119 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8992&lon=-86.0601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13457/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA135

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,carburetor - water (cause)
  - fuel system,tank - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT HAD SAT IDLE FOR FOUR DAYS IN HEAVY RAINS PRIOR TO THIS FLT. A LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED DURING TAKEOFF. THE PLT ATTEMPTED A 180 DEG TURN BACK TO THE ARPT DURING WHICH THE ACFT STALLED AND DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT. APRX 2.5 OUNCES OF WATER WERE FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR. WATER WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE LEFT TANK HAD RUPTURED DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE FUEL CAPS AND CHAINS WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N21139 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182P
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18261440
- Airframe hours: 1750
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: J. Meadors
- Registered owner: J.E. Meadors
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1985
- Departed: I14, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
- Destination: CHICAGO, IL
- Airport: I14, Eagle Brook

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,271 total, 1,053 in this make and model, 1,014 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 7 nm away

## 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 19860501015089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860501015089A), May 1, 1986: Cessna 182P, Indianapolis, IN, Destroyed. The engine failed shortly after takeoff and the aircraft stalled dring a turn. Water was found in tank and carb.

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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