Cessna A185E N85PR

Summary

On 17 October 1999 at about 22:30 local time, a Cessna A185E registered N85PR, operated by Jack A. Sellet, was involved in an accident near Lake Wales, Florida, United States. 3 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 October 1999 at 22:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Lake Wales, Florida, United States

Coordinates

27.8997, -81.5794

Aircraft

Cessna A185E

Registration

N85PR

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Jack A. Sellet

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Winter Haven → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA00LA009

1 person had minor injuries.

The partial loss of engine power due to the inadequate annual inspection of the airplane by the mechanic with IA for his failure to assure that the mixture control cable jam nut at the rod end was secured following the reported adjustment by the airplane owner who is not a certificated mechanic. This resulted in the separation of the mixture control cable and the uncommanded movement of the mixture control to the midrnage point between midrange and the idle cut-off position.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during cruise flight about 700-800 feet msl, the engine experienced a gradual loss of power. He attempted to correct the loss of power situation but was unable. While descending for a forced landing, the airplane collided with a tree then the ground and nosed over. Post accident examination of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the mixture control at the fuel metering valve was found about half way between midrange and idle cutoff. The mixture control cable was found separated from the rod end which was still attached to the Bellcrank (Mixture) at the airbox assembly. Damage to about 11 threads at the end of the mixture cable was noted. Maintenance records were reportedly destroyed in the fire. The IA who performed the last annual inspection stated to the FAA inspector that the aircraft owner adjusted the mixture cable rod-end to attain the correct cushion and he (IA) checked it but failed to check the jam nut at the rod end for security. The owner stated that he did not adjust the engine controls in the engine compartment and thought the IA adjusted the engine controls. The pilot is not a certificated mechanic.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.