On August 4, 1987, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N8953H) operated by W.l. Mcpherson was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination in the aircraft's fuel system, which resulted from refueling the aircraft from a fuel tank mounted on a pickup truck. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft nosed over during a forced landing in a field after losing engine power. Investigation revealed water contamination in the fuel system, likely from refueling via a pickup truck tank.
What happened
The pilot reported that the engine lost power while conducting an aerial application flight. The aircraft subsequently nosed over during a forced landing in a soft, wet, terraced field. Conditions at the site were affected by heavy rain that had occurred on the previous day.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed water contamination within the fuel system. The investigation determined that the aircraft had been refueled from a fuel tank mounted on a pickup truck prior to the incident.
Findings
The presence of water contamination in the fuel system was identified as the primary mechanical issue. The method of refueling via a portable tank on a pickup truck contributed to the introduction of contaminants into the aircraft's fuel supply.
Probable cause
Water contamination in the aircraft's fuel system, which resulted from refueling the aircraft from a fuel tank mounted on a pickup truck.