# NTSB DEN85LA154: Callair A-9, N8280H, Riverton, WY, June 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1985, 07:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Riverton, WY
- Coordinates: 43.029003, -108.409126 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0290&lon=-108.4091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16694
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16694/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA154

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - qualification, pilot in command
  - fluid,fuel - low level (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - initiated
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION TURN-AROUND MANEUVER, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE IMMEDIATELY CHANGED THE FUEL SELECTOR & TURNED ON THE BOOST PUMP, BUT THE ACFT WAS TOO LOW FOR THE ENG TO HAVE TIME TO RESTORE POWER. THE ENG HAD BEEN USING FUEL FROM A TANK THAT WAS LOW ON FUEL. NO FAA PLT CERTIFICATE WAS FOUND OR REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8280H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8280H-2013-05-14), registration cancelled 2013-05-14, S/N 1149, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CALLAIR A-9
- Registry model: [Callair A-9](https://openairdocs.org/model/callair-a-9) (registry code 1850120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Red Lodge Airways
- Registered owner: Jennette Patenaude
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: front

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RIW

## 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 19850607023659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850607023659A), Jun 7, 1985: Airpts A9, Riverton, WY, Substantial damage. Fuel selector on tank with low fuel. During turn around after swath run, engine lost power. Too low for restart.

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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