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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Climb After Banner Pickup (N5290G)

Chuluota, FL, US

On January 27, 1988, a Cessna 305A (registration N5290G) was involved in an aviation accident near Chuluota, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's extended operation of the electric boost pump during the power-off glide, which likely resulted in fuel starvation or vapor lock, causing engine power loss during the subsequent climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced engine sputtering and power loss after applying full throttle for climb following a banner pickup. The aircraft touched down hard due to insufficient altitude.

What happened

The pilot reported that the electric boost pump was operated for an extended period during a power-off glide intended for banner pickup. Upon completing the pickup, full throttle was applied to initiate the climb. At this point, the engine sputtered and subsequently lost power. The pilot lowered the nose in preparation for a straight-ahead landing. Due to insufficient altitude, there was not enough time to flare or check the rate of descent before the aircraft touched down hard in a three-point attitude.

Findings

  • Extended operation of the electric boost pump during the glide phase
  • Engine sputtering and loss of power upon application of full throttle for climb
  • Insufficient altitude to execute a proper flare or assess descent rate
  • Hard touchdown in a three-point attitude

Probable cause

The pilot's extended operation of the electric boost pump during the power-off glide, which likely resulted in fuel starvation or vapor lock, causing engine power loss during the subsequent climb.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24950. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.