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Casualties unknown

Fuel Contamination Results in Engine Failure and Forced Landing (N30422)

Sidney, OH, US

On February 17, 1996, a Cessna 177A (registration N30422) operated by Jeffrey Meckstroth was involved in an aviation accident near Sidney, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The probable cause is fuel contamination, as evidenced by the brown substance found in the fuel sump drain and the engine's normal operation on auxiliary fuel. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported engine power loss due to fuel contamination, leading to a forced landing in a rough field. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing roll. Postaccident examination found brown substance in the fuel sump drain.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that while cruising at 3,000 feet MSL, the engine began to sputter and subsequently lost power. In response, the pilot applied carburetor heat, switched fuel tanks, and turned on the fuel boost pumps; however, all restart attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot executed a forced landing in a rough field, during which the airplane sustained damage.

Postaccident Findings

A postaccident examination revealed evidence of fuel contamination. A brown-colored substance was found in the fuel sump drain. The engine was test-run using auxiliary fuel and auxiliary electrical power, and during this test run, the engine operated smoothly with no indications of malfunction.

Probable cause

The probable cause is fuel contamination, as evidenced by the brown substance found in the fuel sump drain and the engine's normal operation on auxiliary fuel.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Feb 1996 Cessna 177A accident near Sidney, OH?

A pilot reported engine power loss due to fuel contamination, leading to a forced landing in a rough field. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing roll. Postaccident examination found brown substance in the fuel sump drain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Feb 1996 involved a Cessna 177A, registration N30422, operated by Jeffrey Meckstroth, at Sidney, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause is fuel contamination, as evidenced by the brown substance found in the fuel sump drain and the engine's normal operation on auxiliary fuel.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.