# NTSB FTW86LA009: Cessna A185E, N21RH, Intracoastalcty, LA, October 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 10, 1985, 20:00 local (Oct 11, 1985, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Intracoastalcty, LA
- Coordinates: 29.969877, -92.120323 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9699&lon=-92.1203&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21983
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21983/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA009

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS SPRAYING FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS. HE TURNED TO REVERSE COURSE AND THEN TURNED ON THE ACFT'S LANDING LIGHT TO CHECK HIS ALTITUDE. HE OBSERVED POWER LINES BUT IT WAS TOO LATE FOR EVASIVE ACTION. AFTER THE PROP IMPACTED THE LINES A PWR LOSS OCCURRED AND THE PLT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING, STRAIGHT AHEAD IN A PASTURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N21RH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185E
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18501795
- Airframe hours: 2898
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Public use
- Registered owner: Vermillion Flyers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: OR3, ABBEVILLE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 18,000 total, 120 in this make and model, 18,000 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 10 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 19851010076779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851010076779A), Oct 10, 1985: Cessna A185E, Intracoastal Ci, LA, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines during spray operation. Landed in open field. Damage to propeller, gear, wing and strut.

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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