N32663

On June 4, 1998, about 2010 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185F airplane, N32663, sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing on a hillside, about 40 miles southeast of Iliamna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the King Salmon Airport, King Salmon, Alaska, at 1910.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, on June 5, the pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the engine began to run rough, and lose power. The engine continued to lose power until altitude could no longer be maintained, and the pilot selected a hillside as an emergency landing site. During the emergency landing, the airplane's fuselage sustained substantial damage.

In his written statement to the NTSB, the pilot stated that weather conditions at the time of the accident consisted of: Wind, 090 degrees at 45 knots, with peak gusts to 50 knots; visibility, 2 statute miles with rain and fog; clouds, 1,500 feet overcast.

On July 1, NTSB personnel performed an engine examination at Wick Air, Inc., Wasilla, Alaska. No preaccident engine anomalies were noted.

On September 11, FAA personnel operated the engine on the airframe, and reported that the engine operated normally at idle power.