FAIRBANKS, AK, USA
N37BC
CESSNA A185F
DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB OUT THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A 180 DEGREE TURN AND LANDED ON THE UNPLOWED PORTION OF THE CHENA MARINA STRIP. AFTER THE LANDING AND DURING THE ROLL OUT THE ELEVATOR BALANCE TAB STRUCK A PIECE OF ICE AND IT WAS TORN IN HALF. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE SHOWED THAT THE FUEL VALVE PLACARD WAS REPLACED INCORRECTLY. WHEN THE FUEL VALVE WAS PLACED IN THE BOTH POSITION, AS REQUIRED FOR TAKEOFF, THE VALVE WAS ACTUALLY IN THE OFF POSITION. THE AIRPLANE HAD JUST RECEIVED A NEW INTERIOR WHICH HAD BEEN INSTALLED BY AN UNCERTIFICATED INDIVIDUAL. THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT INSPECTED NOR WERE THERE ANY ENTRIES IN THE LOGBOOK SHOWING THE NEW UPHOLSTERY WORK.
On February 23, 1993, at 1330 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N37BC, registered to and operated by the Pilot in Command, experienced a complete power loss on climb out after taking off from the Chena Marina Airstrip, Fairbanks, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, executed a forced landing and landed on the unplowed portion of the airstrip. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The Private Certificated Pilot in Command, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. According to FAA Inspector Cliff Smart, a witness called anonymously and stated there had been an accident at the Chena Marina Airstrip. After interviewing the pilot, Cliff Smart stated that the pilot made a takeoff and experienced a complete power loss during the climb out. He executed a turn and landed on the unplowed portion of the airstrip. After landing and during the subsequent roll out, the elevator balance tab struck a piece of ice and the right elevator was torn in half and off the stabilizer. Examination of the airplane by a certified A & P mechanic showed that the fuel valve placard was replaced incorrectly. When the fuel selector valve was placed in the "both" position, it was actually in the "off" position. The airplane had just received a new interior and a new external paint job. Examination of the logbooks showed that the new paint had been properly inspected and signed off in the logbook according to FAR Part 43.3 and 43.9. However, there was no entry for the new upholstery. Furthermore, the work accomplished by the upholstery shop was completed by an uncertificated individual, John Neal of New Designs Upholstery located in North Pole, Alaska. The airplane was not inspected by a certificated mechanic prior to the flight.
THE FUEL SYSTEM SELECTOR VALVE BEING PLACED IN THE OFF POSITION DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE FUEL SELECTOR PLACARD BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON. THE SNOW COVERED FORCED LANDING AREA WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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