N2248TCessna A185E · 1968

On August 14, 2024, about 1500 central daylight time, a Cessna A185E airplane, N2248T, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Eveleth, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The float-equipped airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from the lake, at an altitude about 75 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly stopped operating. The pilot conducted a forced landing to an open area of grass at the sea plane base. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down very hard with the wings level and skidded upright about 150 ft. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during the hard landing. Postaccident examination revealed that the wing fuel tanks remained intact. The fuel tanks were drained of fuel by the recovery company and the fuel was collected into a container. About 30 gallons of fuel consistent with 100 low lead aviation fuel was collected. The fuel tanks had rubber bladders, both with wrinkling on the lower surface, as shown in Figure 1. The fuel vents were not obstructed.

Figure 1. Left- and right-wing fuel bladders with wrinkles.

The left- and right-wing fuel cap seals exhibited deterioration and discoloration around the outer surface but were otherwise pliable. The fuel cap sealing surfaces on both wings were corroded.

The fuel that was collected at the accident scene tested positive for water with water finding paste. A visual examination of the collection tank revealed about 1 gallon of water in the bottom of the tank.

The engine remained attached to the fuselage. The propeller remained attached to the engine and all three blades remained attached to the hub. All three blades were bent and showed rotational scoring and leading-edge damage. The propeller was removed and replaced with an intact propeller to facilitate an engine test run. Fuel was plumbed into the engine from the left-wing root fuel pickup. The engine started, idled, and accelerated without hesitation. No anomalies were noted during the engine run.

The pilot stated that the airplane had sat outside during a significant rain event a few weeks before the accident. The airplane was flown after the rain event in smooth air and had sat again for about two weeks before the accident flight. The pilot drained fuel and checked for water before the flight, but did not observe any water contamination. The pilot reported that after taking off, the airplane made a significant yaw shortly before the loss of engine power. The pilot noted on the day of the accident, the wind was gusting and the air was bumpy.

An Airworthiness Directive (AD), 84-10-01 Bladder Fuel Cells Revision 1, was issued on October 4, 1986. The AD requires a fuel cell fluid retention test and recurrent inspections of the fuel cells to prevent power loss or engine stoppage due to water contamination of the fuel system. The AD lists the inspection steps and remedial actions necessary. The AD gives two options if inspection of the fuel cells reveals more than 3 ounces of fluid. One option is to fabricate and install a placard detailing instructions to check for fuel contamination during preflight. A second option is to install reduced diameter (raised filler neck) fuel caps on all fuel filler openings.

Compliance with the AD was not properly recorded in the airframe log; however, the airplane had reduced diameter fuel caps installed, which complied with the AD. Additionally, recurrent inspections required by the AD no longer apply with the installation of the reduced diameter filler caps.