On December 1, 1984, a Cessna 175 (registration N7327M) was involved in an aviation accident near Bastrop, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination in the fuel, which resulted in engine failure during flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot drained water from fuel tanks and topped off the tanks before takeoff. Shortly after reaching 500 feet, the engine quit during initial climb, forcing a landing in a field due to water in the fuel.
What happened
Prior to flight, the pilot performed preflight checks that included draining a small amount of water from each wing tank. The main fuel strainer was also drained, and the fuel tanks were topped off with an additional 17 gallons of fuel. During the initial climb phase, approximately 500 feet above ground level, the engine stopped running. Subsequent attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing in a plowed field.
The investigation
The cause of the engine failure was determined through examination of the fuel system and operational history. The presence of water in the fuel system was identified as the primary factor leading to the loss of power.
Probable cause
Water contamination in the fuel, which resulted in engine failure during flight.
What happened in the 1 Dec 1984 Cessna 175 accident near Bastrop, LA?
A pilot drained water from fuel tanks and topped off the tanks before takeoff. Shortly after reaching 500 feet, the engine quit during initial climb, forcing a landing in a field due to water in the fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Dec 1984 involved a Cessna 175, registration N7327M, at Bastrop, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Water contamination in the fuel, which resulted in engine failure during flight.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…