On May 20, 1990, a Cessna 182 (registration N2411G) operated by John Bruffey was involved in an aviation accident near Evans, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE ENGINE DUE TO CARBURETOR FLOAT CHAFFING RESULTING IN A FORCED LANDING ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS FAILURE OF THE OPERATOR TO COMPLY WITH A SERVICE BULLETIN. 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.
A pilot reported engine power loss, unsuccessful restart attempts, a brief engine restart at 50 ft AGL during forced landing, then a second power loss leading to a tree landing. Post-accident examination revealed a chafing carburetor float and use of autogas. A service bulletin recommended metal floats.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the engine lost power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot then attempted a forced landing on an open field. At an altitude of 50 ft AGL, the engine restarted. The pilot began climbing, but soon after, the engine lost power again. The aircraft subsequently landed in trees and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed evidence that the molded-cellular type carburetor float was chafing against the internal walls of its chamber. The aircraft had been using autogas. A service bulletin was in effect that indicated instances in which the molded-cellular type floats had absorbed fluid. The bulletin recommended changing to metal floats.
What happened in the 20 May 1990 Cessna 182 accident near Evans, WV?
A pilot reported engine power loss, unsuccessful restart attempts, a brief engine restart at 50 ft AGL during forced landing, then a second power loss leading to a tree landing. Post-accident examination revealed a chafing carburetor float and use of autogas. A service bulletin recommended metal floats.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 May 1990 involved a Cessna 182, registration N2411G, operated by John Bruffey, at Evans, WV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE ENGINE DUE TO CARBURETOR FLOAT CHAFFING RESULTING IN A FORCED LANDING ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS FAILURE OF THE OPERATOR TO COMPLY WITH A SERVICE BULLETIN.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…