# NTSB FTW85LA342: Cessna A185F, N5513E, Port Sulphur, LA, September 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1985, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Port Sulphur, LA
- Coordinates: 29.459304, -89.890983 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4593&lon=-89.8910&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21844
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA342
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21844/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA342

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - not identified, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE INITIATED HIS WATER TAKEOFF RUN ON A CANAL WHICH HAD A LEFT BEND. WHEN HE ROUNDED THE BEND HE OBSERVED A 15-20 FOOT HIGH PILING (POST) IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CANAL AND A PENINSULA OF LAND ABOUT 300 YARDS BEYOND THE PILING. HE STEERED TO THE RIGHT OF THE PILING AND CONTINUED THE TAKEOFF RUN ROTATING FOR TAKEOFF WITHIN 50 FT OF THE PENINSULA. THE NOSE LIFTED, HOWEVER, THE REAR END OF THE ACFT'S FLOATS CONTACTED THE GROUND AND PITCHED THE NOSE TO A DOWNWARD POSITION. THE ACFT THEN FLIPPED INVERTED AND STOPPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5513E (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185F
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18503986
- Airframe hours: 1466
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lacombe Air, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1985
- Destination: CROWN POINT, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 749 total, 675 in this make and model, 689 as pilot in command, 112 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850905043409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850905043409A), Sep 5, 1985: Cessna A185F, Port Sulphur, LA, Substantial damage. During water takeoff, missed upright pole after rounding bend in canal but unable to fly before hitting peninsula.

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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