On March 11, 1989, a Cessna 175 (registration N175RP) operated by Mcauliffe, David J. was involved in an aviation accident near Murray, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination in the fuel, which caused the engine to lose power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After flying for about an hour and a half, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power and landed on a county road. The nose gear hit a ditch, causing the aircraft to nosed over into a power box.
What happened
The pilot reported that approximately one and a half hours into the flight, the engine began to lose power. Unable to continue the flight normally, he elected to make an emergency landing on a county road. During the rollout of the aircraft, the nose gear struck a drainage ditch. This impact caused the aircraft to nosed over, resulting in the nose striking a power box.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the engine revealed that the fuel was contaminated with water. This contamination was identified as the primary mechanical issue contributing to the loss of power.
Findings
The investigation determined that water contamination in the fuel led to the engine losing power during flight. The pilot's decision to land on a county road resulted in further damage when the nose gear hit a drainage ditch and the aircraft nosed over into a power box.
Probable cause
Water contamination in the fuel, which caused the engine to lose power.