On December 11, 1988, a Mooney M20J (registration N3820H) operated by William A. Jardine was involved in an aviation accident near New Alexandria, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF CONTROL EXPERIENCE DURING LANDING ROLLOUT AFTER AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING WAS MADE DUE TO A POWER LOSS CAUSED BY CONTAMINATED FUEL. WATER HAD BEEN REMOVED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft lost power at 3500 feet and performed a forced landing on a road. During landing rollout, it struck a pothole, lost directional control, and sustained substantial damage. Investigation revealed ice and water contamination in the fuel system.
Event Details
An aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 3,500 feet when it experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing onto a roadway. As the aircraft rolled out following touchdown, it encountered a pothole, causing loss of directional control. The aircraft subsequently sustained substantial damage during the event.
Investigation Findings
On-scene examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the gascolator was filled with ice. Additionally, the right fuel drain was frozen. After the aircraft was warmed in a hangar, approximately half a gallon of water was drained from the right wing. Water was also discovered in the engine fuel control inlet screen.