# NTSB SEA84LA120: Cessna A185E, N2231T, Refuge Cove, AK, May 26, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1984, 16:10 local (23:10 UTC)
- Place: Refuge Cove, AK
- Coordinates: 55.610569, -131.580856 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=55.6106&lon=-131.5809&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39925
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39925/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA120

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - aircraft performance,rolling maneuvers - erratic (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED IN HIS REPORT ON FORM 6120.1 THAT THE ACFT WAS ON STEP DURING TAKEOFF WHEN THE ACFT BEGAN A ROLL TO THE RIGHT. THE RIGHT WING HIT THE WATER TWICE IN SPITE OF AILERON CONTROL INPUTS TO CORRECT IT. WITH THE APPLICATION OF RUDDER AND A POWER REDUCTION THE ACFT WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL. AFTER DISREGARDING IDEAS OF A TAKEOFF THE ACFT WAS WATER TAXIED 35 MILES TO KETCHIKAN. THE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE ACFT AFTER THE ACCIDENT SAID HE COULD SEE NO OBVIOUS MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2231T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2231T), registered now, S/N 185-1383, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185E
- Registry model: [Cessna A185E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185e) (registry code 2072818) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1383
- Airframe hours: 3200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James E Bullock Jr
- Registered owner: James E. Bullock
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 3, 1983, 108 hours before
- Departed: REFUGE COVE, AK
- Destination: NONE, SHOAL COVE, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 588 total, 29 in this make and model, 477 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KTN

## 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 19840526061609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840526061609A), May 26, 1984: Cessna A185E, Refuge Cove, AK, Substantial damage. Allowed a roll to the right on the step for a water takeoff. The right ring was damaged by striking the water.

## Other investigations on N2231T (1)

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.

- [NTSB CEN20CA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA285), Jul 15, 2020: Cessna A185 (N2231T), Rochester, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing resulting in a ground loop.

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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