N8885T

On August 15, 1993, at 1650 local island time, a Cessna 182C, N8885T, collided with trees and terrain during the takeoff initial climb from a touch and go at the West Tinian airport, Tinian Island, Marianas Protectorate. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The non-certificated pilot incurred serious injuries; however, his two passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight originated on the island of Saipan on the day of the mishap at 1639 as a local area flight between the islands.

In his written report, the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to check out a new engine installation. While flying between Saipan and Tinian islands, throttle control was lost and the pilot said he could not control the engine speed. After arrival over Tinian, the pilot elected to land by pulling the mixture control and making a power off landing. The pilot stated that he elected to go around and the engine failed during the climb. The pilot reported that he made a landing in a flat jungle area, collided with a hidden tree and nosed over.

According to FAA airman records files, the pilot does not hold a current pilot or medical certificate. The FAA files show that on August 19, 1988, the pilot was issued a combination third class medical and student pilot certificate. The certificate expired in August of 1990.

An FAA airworthiness inspector from the Honolulu, Hawaii, Flight Standards District Office was dispatched to the island to conduct an on site investigation. According to the inspector, the airplane had been recently rebuilt with a remanufactured engine. The aircraft departed Saipan and flew to Tinian where the pilot performed a touch and go. Ground witnesses reported that the aircraft seemed to oscillate in pitch in the initial climb after lift off. Several of the witnesses said the aircraft "stalled and pitched over" three times during the climb. During the third witness perceived stall maneuver, the aircraft was observed to descend with the wings rocking into the trees about one half mile from the departure end of the runway.

The FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft and engine. According to his report, the manually activated flaps were found in the fully extended position. No discrepancies were identified in the engine examination. Aviation grade fuel was found in both wing tanks and the fuel lines. The carburetor and induction air box were destroyed in the ground collision sequence, and, impact damage precluded determination of engine control continuity. The crush line on the engine cowling was observed to be oriented about 30 degrees to the horizontal, and, crush damage extended back to the firewall.

The inspector reported that the last annual inspection recorded in the maintenance records was dated May 27, 1992, 15 months prior to the accident.