Casualties unknown

Partial Power Loss During Aerial Application Leads to Forced Landing; Fuzzy Substance Found on Fuel Screen (N9574J)

Mattawa, WA, US

On August 10, 1995, a Cessna T188C (registration N9574J) was involved in an aviation accident near Mattawa, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported partial power loss during an aerial application maneuver, resulting in a forced landing to an adjacent field. Postcrash inspection revealed a fuzzy substance on the fuel manifold screen, but no determination could be made regarding its influence on engine operation.

Incident

During an aerial application maneuver, the pilot reported that the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to an adjacent field. The aircraft had been operated frequently at full power settings during previous flights without any noted problems.

Investigation Findings

A postcrash inspection was conducted, during which no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found. However, a 'fuzzy' substance was discovered on the back side of the fuel manifold screen. The substance partially covered the screen in the area where fuel would naturally concentrate and appeared to have been present on the screen for an extended period of time. Investigators were unable to determine the nature of the substance or its influence on engine operation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04379. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.