Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A150K near Mamou, LA — 2012-06-23

Final reportCEN12LA388
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Date
2012-06-23
Location
Mamou, LA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA A150K
Registration
N8380M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine experienced a partial loss of engine power after encountering turbulence during cruise flight. He noted that the engine continued to operate smoothly at idle speed, but was minimally responsive to multiple throttle movements. Specifically, a full application of the throttle would result in a momentary increase of engine power before the engine went back to idle speed. The pilot applied carburetor heat, which had no observed effect on engine operation. He made a forced landing in a rice field, during which the airplane nosed over. Postaccident examination of the carburetor and gascolator bowls revealed evidence of water and particulate contamination. The wing fuel tanks also contained water contamination. Additionally, an examination of the pilot's refueling container, located on his private airstrip, revealed water and particulate contamination. The filter assembly installed on the refueling container was also contaminated with particulate debris. The contamination in the fuel system, which should have been detected during a routine preflight inspection, likely resulted in the partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before flight to prevent contamination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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