# NTSB CHI87LA011: Cessna U206F, N1803Q, Grand Ledge, MI, October 28, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 28, 1986, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Grand Ledge, MI
- Coordinates: 42.749782, -84.739082 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7498&lon=-84.7391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13682
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13682/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA011

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - water
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF AND NOSED OVER IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID HIS RUNUP ON THE RIGHT FUEL TANK AND TOOK OFF ON THE LEFT FUEL TANK. INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT FOUND WATER IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT STATED HE DRAINED FUEL FROM THE RIGHT TANK DURING PREFLIGHT BUT COULD NOT RECALL CHECKING THE LEFT TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1803Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA U206F
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: U20602927
- Airframe hours: 2027
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-F 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald Crippen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 18, 1986, 6 hours before
- Departed: GRAND LEDGE, MI
- Destination: AZO, KALAMAZOO, MI
- Airport: Crippen Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,090 total, 1,402 in this make and model, 4,090 as pilot in command, 105 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAN, 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 19861028055479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861028055479A), Oct 28, 1986: Cessna U206F, Grand Ledge, MI, Substantial damage. The engine failed on takeoff and the aircraft struck trees. The pilot failed to check for water in the fuel.

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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