On May 14, 1983, a Cessna 170A (registration N170KM) was involved in an aviation accident near Prague, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude after an engine failure, which resulted from fuel contamination due to water in the fuel system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost engine power while turning for landing due to water in the fuel system, forcing an emergency landing short of the runway in rough terrain.
What happened
The aircraft was operating under visual flight rules when the engine quit during a turn to the base leg for landing. At that moment, the pilot determined there was insufficient altitude to reach the intended airport. Consequently, the pilot selected an alternate field for an emergency landing. The aircraft landed short of the runway and came to rest in rough terrain.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed a large quantity of water within the fuel tanks. Further inquiry traced the source of this contamination to a contaminated fuel storage tank located at the aircraft's home base.
Findings
The engine failure was caused by fuel contamination resulting from water ingress. The pilot's decision to land short of the runway was necessitated by the loss of power and inadequate altitude to reach the original destination.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude after an engine failure, which resulted from fuel contamination due to water in the fuel system.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 May 1983 Cessna 170A accident near Prague, OK?
A pilot lost engine power while turning for landing due to water in the fuel system, forcing an emergency landing short of the runway in rough terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 May 1983 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N170KM, at Prague, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude after an engine failure, which resulted from fuel contamination due to water in the fuel system.
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