On September 9, 1985, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N6262L) was involved in an aviation accident near Caddo Mills, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine lost power due to fuel starvation caused by a collapsed air induction duct and a contaminated air filter. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna aircraft lost power at low altitude, forcing the pilot to land in a field where it flipped over due to a collapsed air induction duct.
What happened
The certified flight instructor acting as pilot in command reported that the engine lost power while the aircraft was approximately 400 to 500 feet above ground level. Due to insufficient altitude, returning to the airport was not possible. The pilot elected to land in a nearby plowed field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft flipped and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the air induction duct was collapsed. The duct showed evidence of wear. The air filter contained contaminants covering approximately one-third of the filter element.
Findings
The engine failure was attributed to fuel starvation caused by a restricted air intake. The collapsed air induction duct and contaminated filter prevented proper airflow, leading to the loss of power. The pilot's decision to land in the field resulted in the aircraft flipping inverted.
Probable cause
The engine lost power due to fuel starvation caused by a collapsed air induction duct and a contaminated air filter.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Sept 1985 Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 accident near Caddo Mills, TX?
A Cessna aircraft lost power at low altitude, forcing the pilot to land in a field where it flipped over due to a collapsed air induction duct.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Sept 1985 involved a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2, registration N6262L, at Caddo Mills, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine lost power due to fuel starvation caused by a collapsed air induction duct and a contaminated air filter.
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