# NTSB SEA86LA171: Cessna A185F, N6336E, Ketchikan, AK, July 16, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1986, 21:00 local (Jul 16, 1986, 05:00 UTC)
- Place: Ketchikan, AK
- Coordinates: 55.609096, -131.579986 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=55.6091&lon=-131.5800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40445
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40445/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA171

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - false indication (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND WHEN THE ENGINE CEASED OPERATING AS THE THROTTLE WAS ADVANCED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE PLT HAD SELECTED THE RIGHT FUEL TANK, ALTHOUGH THE NORMAL PROCEDURES IN THE OPERATING MANUAL STATED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON BOTH. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY, BUT THE LEFT FUEL TANK CONTAINED APRX 8 GAL OF FUEL. THE PLT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAGES HAD PROVIDED A FALSE INDICATION; HE HAD SELECTED THE RIGHT TANK SINCE THE FUEL GAGE INDICATED IT HAD MORE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6336E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6336E-1989-08-22), registration cancelled 1989-08-22, S/N 18504027 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185F
- Registry model: [Cessna A185F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185f) (registry code 2072821) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18504027
- Airframe hours: 1475
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Malcomb A. Menzies
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: JNU, JUNEAU, AK
- Destination: KTN
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: KTN, Ketchikan Intn'L, runway 29, 7,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,200 total, 300 in this make and model, 26 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 360° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KTN, 1 nm away

## 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 19860715032679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860715032679A), Jul 15, 1986: Cessna A185F, Ketchikan, AK, Destroyed. The engine lost power on final and the aircraft struck a dirt mound short of runway. Improper fuel selector use.

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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