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Fuel Quantity Estimation During Preflight Leads to Engine Power Loss on Takeoff (N52773)

Fort Washington, MD, US

On November 29, 1996, a Cessna 182P (registration N52773) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Washington, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). 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

During preflight, the pilot drained water from fuel tanks. On takeoff rotation, the engine surged and lost power. The aircraft descended and impacted a house. No mechanical issues or fuel contaminants were found in post-accident examination.

Preflight and Fuel Inspection

The aircraft was equipped with rubber bladder long-range fuel tanks with a total capacity of 84 gallons. During the preflight inspection, the pilot estimated approximately 26 gallons in the right wing tank and 27 gallons in the left wing tank. Fuel samples taken from the wing tanks were found to contain water. The pilot then rocked the wings several times and held the empennage to the ground, after which an additional teaspoon of water was drained from the left wing tank, and a full fuel drain tube of water was obtained from the right wing tank. The pilot repeated the draining procedure until no water was observed in subsequent samples.

Engine Start and Takeoff

The engine was started with the fuel selector set to the left tank position. During taxi, the selector was moved to the right tank position. For the run-up and takeoff, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the both position. The pilot reported that as the airplane was rotated for takeoff, the engine immediately surged and then lost power.

Forced Landing and Impact

Following the power loss, the pilot lowered full flaps and initiated a straight-ahead descent. The aircraft subsequently impacted the roof of a house in a residential area.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical problems with the aircraft. Additionally, no fuel contaminants were found in the remaining fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Nov 1996 Cessna 182P accident near Fort Washington, MD?

During preflight, the pilot drained water from fuel tanks. On takeoff rotation, the engine surged and lost power. The aircraft descended and impacted a house. No mechanical issues or fuel contaminants were found in post-accident examination.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Nov 1996 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N52773, at Fort Washington, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07043. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.