CEN20LA338

Factual narrative

On August 15, 2020, about 1150 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N5418E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sugar Land, Texas. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that he performed a takeoff from runway 17 (8,000 ft by 100 ft), at intersection K, from which point there was 6,418 ft of runway remaining. The pilot stated that when he applied full throttle for takeoff, all engine instrument indications were normal. He said the liftoff and initial climb were normal, but when he made a right turn toward the destination airport, the engine lost total power. He stated that the cockpit throttle, mixture, and propeller controls were full forward, and that the airspeed was "decaying fast" after the power loss. He chose a grass area next to runway 17 to land the airplane. In the final turn toward the grass area, he fully extended the wing flaps and tried to slow the airplane as much as possible. He stated that the airplane stalled while trying to cross a small ditch near the grass area, and the airplane then impacted terrain and skidded about 100 ft before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the lower fuselage structure. The pilot’s safety recommendation was not to perform intersection takeoffs unless it was necessary. Postaccident examination of the airplane by an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed no obstructions to the engine intake and exhaust systems. The fuel lines were intact and secure with no evidence of leakage. The fuel vent system was unobstructed. The engine cylinders exhibited compression and engine drivetrain and valve train continuity was confirmed. Magneto-to-engine timing was within engine specification, and electrical continuity from the magnetos through the ignition wiring harness was confirmed. The pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff, the engine lost total power. He stated that the airplane airspeed decayed quickly, and he chose to land in a grass area next to the departure runway. In the final turn toward the grass area, he selected full flaps and tried to slow the airplane, but the airplane stalled, then impacted terrain and skidded about 100 ft before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the lower fuselage structure. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Angle of attack-Capability exceeded
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Flight crew