On July 12, 1990, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5330F) operated by Executive Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near New Richmond, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The gascolator drain valve was stuck open slightly, allowing the fuel pump to suck air along with gas, leading to engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost engine power just after takeoff, forcing a landing that ended with the airplane running off the runway and hitting a hay bale. The engine was still running when stopped and performed normally in post-accident test. Investigation found a stuck-open gascolator drain valve.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the engine lost power shortly after lift-off, necessitating a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane departed the departure end of the runway and struck a large round bale of hay.
Post-Accident Observations
According to the pilot, the engine was still running when the airplane came to a stop. A subsequent post-accident engine run revealed that the engine operated normally.
Investigation Findings
An FAA inspector conducted an investigation and determined that the gascolator drain valve was stuck open slightly. This condition allowed the fuel pump to draw air along with fuel, which resulted in the loss of engine power.
Probable cause
The gascolator drain valve was stuck open slightly, allowing the fuel pump to suck air along with gas, leading to engine power loss.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Jul 1990 Piper PA-28-140 accident near New Richmond, WI?
An aircraft lost engine power just after takeoff, forcing a landing that ended with the airplane running off the runway and hitting a hay bale. The engine was still running when stopped and performed normally in post-accident test. Investigation found a stuck-open gascolator drain valve.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5330F, operated by Executive Air, Inc., at New Richmond, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The gascolator drain valve was stuck open slightly, allowing the fuel pump to suck air along with gas, leading to engine power loss.
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…