N748

On January 21, 1995, at 1430 Pacific standard time, a Cessna A185E, N748, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after take off from the Starks Twin Oaks Airport, Hillsboro, Oregon. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an open field where during the landing roll, the airplane collided with the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.

The pilot reported that after the airplane attained an altitude of 1,500 feet, he leveled off. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power to idle. The pilot was unable to regain full power to the engine and he elected to execute a forced landing to an open soft field. During the landing roll, the landing gear separated and the right wing was damaged.

During an engine examination, there was no evidence found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot stated that he suspected possible fuel contamination, however, there was no evidence to substantiate this claim.