# NTSB FTW83LA268: Cessna 185, N4016Y, Mcallen, TX, June 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1983, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Mcallen, TX
- Coordinates: 26.210182, -98.229393 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2102&lon=-98.2294&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20925
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA268
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20925/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA268

## 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 (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)

## Analysis

THE ENG QUIT DURING CLIMBOUT. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTAINED ABOUT 50% CLEAR LIQUID OTHER THAN GASOLINE. THE ACFT HAD SAT WITH ITS TANKS EMPTY FOR THE PAST 7-10 DAYS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4016Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4016Y-2012-11-15), registration cancelled 2012-11-15, S/N 185-0216, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 185
- Registry model: [Cessna 185](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185) (registry code 2072802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 185-0216
- Airframe hours: 1400
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: W. A. Cross
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 22, 1983, 42 hours before
- Destination: VERACRUZ
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MFE, Miller International, runway 18, 3,000 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 15,586 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 15,501 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 13 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFE

## 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 19830606022399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830606022399A), Jun 6, 1983: Cessna 185, Mcallen, TX, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing. Fuel system had water contamination.

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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