On June 9, 1992, a Cessna 140 (registration N2776N) operated by Eugene B. Havlovitz was involved in an aviation accident near Howard, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM CONTAMINATED FUEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane lost engine power during initial climb from a private airstrip, prompting a forced landing on a highway where it struck a sign. FAA inspection found sediment and foreign material in the fuel system.
Accident Details
During the initial climb from a private landing strip, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot reported that the engine began missing during takeoff and ceased operating completely approximately 300 feet above ground level. After switching fuel tanks and attempting a restart without success, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a highway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a sign.
Post-Accident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the airplane following the accident. Mechanical continuity throughout the flight control system was verified. Examination of the engine revealed no defects. However, inspection of the fuel system identified sediment and foreign material in the gascolator bowl.