Summary
On May 22, 1993, a Cessna A185F (N3588) was involved in an incident near Timbalier Isle, LA. All 4 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION IN THE SELECTION OF HIS TAKEOFF ROUTE. A FACTOR WAS THE SAND BAR.
On May 22, 1993, at approximately 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N3588, was substantially damaged upon impact with a sand bar while attempting a water takeoff near Timbalier Isle, in the Gulf of Mexico. The commercial pilot and his 3 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 135 flight.
According to the operator, in a written statement, the airplane was on a return trip from an all day fishing trip to Timbalier Isle. The pilot attempted to takeoff in the same area where he made a successful water landing one hour prior to the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW93LA162. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3588.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION IN THE SELECTION OF HIS TAKEOFF ROUTE. A FACTOR WAS THE SAND BAR
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 22, 1993, at approximately 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N3588, was substantially damaged upon impact with a sand bar while attempting a water takeoff near Timbalier Isle, in the Gulf of Mexico. The commercial pilot and his 3 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 135 flight.
According to the operator, in a written statement, the airplane was on a return trip from an all day fishing trip to Timbalier Isle. The pilot attempted to takeoff in the same area where he made a successful water landing one hour prior to the accident. The operator added that the airplane was at rotation speed when both floats impacted a sand bar in the prevailing low tide conditions, resulting in the airplane nosing over and coming to rest inverted in the shallow water. The pilot further reported that if "he had left earlier or to have had better knowledge of the area," the accident would not have happened.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW93LA162