On October 3, 1999, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N4156Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection to remove all contaminated fuel from the fuel system. A factor associated with the accident was an unsuitable terrain condition for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot lost all engine power at about 100 feet during departure from Lake Hood Airstrip, leading to a landing in tundra marsh and nose-over. Postaccident inspection found water-contaminated fluid in the carburetor.
Accident Overview
A certificated private pilot and one passenger were departing from Lake Hood Airstrip. As the airplane climbed to approximately 100 feet above the runway, all engine power was lost. The airplane subsequently landed in an area of tundra-covered marsh just off the end of the departure runway. During the landing roll, the main wheels contacted the soft, boggy terrain, causing the airplane to nosed over.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection of the airplane's carburetor revealed about 10 cubic centimeters (cc) of rusty-colored fluid, along with clean fuel in the carburetor float bowl. The rusty-colored fluid tested positive for water when tested with water detection paste. The fluid sample was released to the accident pilot at his request.
Pilot's Report
The accident pilot reported that the fluid contained therapeutic levels of fluoride, commonly found in tap water. The pilot did not submit the test results report to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).