Casualties unknown

1993-08-09: Cessna 177B (N34293) — Smith, Edward J. — Grand Prairie, TX

Grand Prairie, TX, US

On August 9, 1993, a Cessna 177B (registration N34293) operated by Smith, Edward J. was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Prairie, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AS A RESULT OF A LEAKING FUEL LINE. THE FUEL LINE WAS NOT THE CORRECT PART AS A RESULT OF A MISIDENTIFICATION BY CESSNA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A total loss of engine power at about 2,500 ft AGL forced a pilot to land on an interstate highway. During the landing flare, the airplane struck a road sign and concrete barricade. Investigation revealed fuel leaking from a misidentified fuel line.

Incident Overview

At approximately 2,500 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing onto an interstate highway. During the landing flare, the airplane collided with a road sign and a concrete barricade.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane revealed evidence of fuel leaking from the fuel line that connects to the fuel pressure gauge. The fuel line was replaced, and an engine test run was conducted afterward, which showed no anomalies.

Fuel Line Identification

Further examination of the removed fuel line indicated that it had been misidentified. The aircraft's data tag specified that the fuel line should be made from an Aeroquip AE701 hose. However, the installed line was made from a nitrile rubber Aeroquip 601 hose.

Conclusion

The investigation determined that the fuel line was not the correct type as specified by the manufacturer. The exact cause of the engine power loss was not explicitly stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13151. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.