On August 9, 1990, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N4471Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Sykeston, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water and dirt contamination in the fuel strainer and carburetor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane lost engine power during cruise at 200 ft AGL, leading to a forced landing in a wheat field. The aircraft ground looped after the spray boom contacted the crop. Investigation revealed water and dirt in the fuel system.
Accident Overview
The airplane was in cruise flight at an altitude of approximately 200 ft above ground level when a loss of engine power occurred. According to the pilot, the power loss was severe enough to prevent maintaining altitude, necessitating an immediate forced landing. The pilot executed the landing in a mature wheat field. During the landing roll, the spray boom caught the wheat, causing the airplane to ground loop.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft's fuel system revealed water and dirt contamination in both the fuel strainer and the carburetor. The engine was tested after the fuel system was cleaned and was found to function normally, indicating that the contamination was the source of the power loss.
Probable cause
Water and dirt contamination in the fuel strainer and carburetor.