On August 24, 1990, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N9597) operated by Tom Fitalkovich was involved in an aviation accident near Ravenna, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A POWER LOSS, DUE TO CONTAMINATION FROM DETERIORATING FUEL TANK SEALANT, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO NOTICE THE CONTAMINATION DURING PREFLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced power loss after takeoff, forcing a landing on a lake shoreline. Post-crash FAA examination found fuel injector and sump contamination matching fuel tank sealant. The pilot missed this during preflight.
Incident
Following takeoff, the pilot experienced a loss of power. The pilot then performed a forced landing on the shoreline of a lake. During the landing, the main rotor blades made contact with the ground.
Post-Crash Examination
An examination conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after the accident found contamination within the fuel injectors and the fuel sump. The contamination was determined to be similar to the sealant used in fuel tanks. The pilot had not identified the contamination during the preflight inspection procedures.
Forced Landing Location
The FAA additionally reported that the shoreline selected for the forced landing was sloping in nature. This location was described as the only available area for the forced landing.
What happened in the 24 Aug 1990 Enstrom F-28A accident near Ravenna, OH?
A pilot experienced power loss after takeoff, forcing a landing on a lake shoreline. Post-crash FAA examination found fuel injector and sump contamination matching fuel tank sealant. The pilot missed this during preflight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 1990 involved an Enstrom F-28A, registration N9597, operated by Tom Fitalkovich, at Ravenna, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A POWER LOSS, DUE TO CONTAMINATION FROM DETERIORATING FUEL TANK SEALANT, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO NOTICE THE CONTAMINATION DURING PREFLIGHT.
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