ERCOUPE 415 C near St Jacob, IL — 2015-03-07

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during the go-around due to fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was flying the accident airplane under a ferry permit to the destination airport. However, due to unsafe runway conditions at the destination, he chose to land at an alternate airport nearby. Upon arrival at the alternate airport, the pilot executed an aborted landing. He applied engine power and climbed the airplane to about 150 to 200 ft and then the engine lost power without any warning. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial wing and firewall damage. During a postaccident engine run using the header tank fuel from the accident flight, the engine started, ran roughly, and would not accelerate smoothly. The header tank was drained, and fresh aviation fuel was added to the tank; the engine then ran smoothly and accelerated normally. The engine likely lost power due to contaminated fuel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Choosing to use the header fuel tank without verifying fuel quality.

NTSB coding

• Fuel contamination · Approach-VFR go-around
• Go-Around (VFR)

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Communication Summaryother

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 152

  2017-12-03 · Everett, WA