Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A188B near Lyons, KS — 2013-05-07

Final reportCEN13LA260
Sign in to save
Date
2013-05-07
Location
Lyons, KS, USA
Airport
LYO
Aircraft
CESSNA A188B
Registration
N731JF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, during which he failed to detect the fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

The agricultural application airplane was maneuvering at low altitude when it experienced a loss of engine power, descended, and impacted terrain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that he had not done a complete preflight examination of the airplane and that not checked the fuel tanks nor had he drained the fuel sumps. There had been rain in the area the night before. A postaccident examination of the airplane disclosed the presence of water contamination in the gascolator, but there were no other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not check fuel tanks or drain fuel sumps before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17

Related mishaps