N9855X

On June 9, 1998 about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a wheel/ski equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N9855X, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing on the Matanuska Glacier, about 50 miles southeast of Chickaloon, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by Hudson Air Service, Talkeetna, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the sole passenger aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Talkeetna Airport, about 0719.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on June 11, the pilot reported that he was transporting personnel and cargo to a base camp located at 6900 feet msl on the Matanuska Glacier. The pilot reported that while on short final for landing, all engine power was lost. Attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, and the airplane landed hard, about 500 feet short of the intended touch down point. The airplane's fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported in his written statement that after landing he discovered that the fuel boost pump switch had been placed in the "high boost" position. The Cessna Pilot's Operating Handbook, states, in part: "If the engine-driven fuel pump switch is placed in the ON position, a fuel/air ratio considerably richer than best power is produced unless the mixture is leaned."

The pilot said that wind conditions at the time of the accident were calm.