# NTSB SEA92LA134: Cessna A185F, N4690C, Ronan, MT, June 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1992, 13:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Ronan, MT
- Coordinates: 47.529483, -114.129882 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5295&lon=-114.1299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42840
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA134
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42840/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA134

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S OPERATION WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT AND ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM. A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: SOFT TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - fuel injection control/system - erratic (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS UPON POWER REAPPLICATION FOLLOWING IDLE OPERATION SUBSEQUENT TO LANDING ON SEVERAL PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. AFTER DISCUSSING THE SYMPTOMS WITH A MECHANIC, AND DECIDING THAT THE FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM REQUIRED ADJUSTMENT, THE PILOT INITIATED A FLIGHT TO THE MECHANIC'S FACILITY TO CARRY OUT THE INTENDED MAINTENANCE WORK. SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING FOR THE MECHANIC'S AIRSTRIP, AND AT THE COMPLETION OF A 360 DEGREE SPIRALLING DESCENT TO LOSE ALTITUDE PRIOR TO LANDING, THE PILOT REAPPLIED POWER, EXPERIENCED A SURGE AND THEN LOST ENGINE POWER. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING ON SOFT TERRAIN DURING WHICH THE LEFT MAIN GEAR SEPARATED AFTER THE GEAR BEGAN TO DIG IN DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE FUEL CONTROL METERING UNIT HAD BEEN REPAIRED IN APRIL OF 1991 PRIOR TO THE AIRCRAFT'S SALE AND RELOCATION FROM NEW MEXICO TO MONTANA IN NOVEMBER 1991.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4690C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4690C), registered now, S/N 18502597, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185F
- Registry model: [Cessna A185F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185f) (registry code 2072821) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18502597
- Airframe hours: 4100
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mikkelsen, Alan & Lynette
- Registered owner: Mikkelsen, Alan & Lynette
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 4, 1991, 100 hours before
- Departed: 52S, ST. IGNATIUS, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,630 total, 150 in this make and model, 1,540 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSO, 37 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 19920625021759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920625021759A), Jun 25, 1992: Cessna A185F, Ronan, MT, Substantial damage. Engine quit on descent. Crash landed. Had prior problems engine stopping on landings at idle. Suspect fuel control.

## Other investigations on N4690C (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 NYC77FHJ31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC77FHJ31), Jul 22, 1977: Cessna 185F (N4690C), Saltaire, NY, substantial damage

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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