On September 18, 1988, a Maule M-4 (registration N2044U) operated by Roy Vanderpool was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination in the carburetor, which resulted in engine power loss and a subsequent forced landing on tundra where the airplane nosed over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot was forced to land on tundra after engine power loss caused by water in the carburetor. The aircraft nosed over upon impact, but subsequent examination showed the engine operated normally after draining.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft while on the base leg to the airport when the engine suddenly stopped producing power. This failure forced the pilot to execute a landing on the tundra short of the runway. Upon touchdown, the airplane nosed over.
The investigation
A subsequent examination of the engine revealed the presence of water in the carburetor. After the water was drained, the engine started and operated normally.
Findings
The pilot stated that he had last refueled his aircraft one week earlier from his own fuel tank. This tank was equipped with an Aquacon go-no-go filter.
Probable cause
Water contamination in the carburetor, which resulted in engine power loss and a subsequent forced landing on tundra where the airplane nosed over.