On September 2, 1992, a Cessna 172H (registration N2458L) operated by Fedoryk Ronald was involved in an aviation accident near New Braintree, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WATER CONTAMINATED FUEL WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The day after a forced landing due to fuel exhaustion, a different pilot refueled the airplane and attempted takeoff. The engine lost power shortly after lift-off, resulting in a forced landing on soft terrain and nose gear collapse. Investigation revealed water-contaminated fuel and an inoperative fuel strainer.
Event Sequence
The day before the accident, the airplane experienced an in-flight loss of power due to fuel exhaustion and was forced to land in a field. The following day, a different pilot refueled the airplane, adding six gallons of fuel to each tank. The pilot reported that he checked the fuel at the three drain locations. He then towed the airplane up a hill and attempted to take off. Shortly after lift-off, the engine lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing. The landing occurred on soft terrain, causing the nose gear to collapse and the airplane to nose down.
Investigation Findings
On-scene investigation disclosed that the fuel in the carburetor was contaminated with water. The examination also revealed that the fuel strainer was inoperative.
What happened in the 2 Sept 1992 Cessna 172H accident near New Braintree, MA?
The day after a forced landing due to fuel exhaustion, a different pilot refueled the airplane and attempted takeoff. The engine lost power shortly after lift-off, resulting in a forced landing on soft terrain and nose gear collapse. Investigation revealed water-contaminated fuel and an inoperative fuel strainer.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Sept 1992 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2458L, operated by Fedoryk Ronald, at New Braintree, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
WATER CONTAMINATED FUEL WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.
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