On May 27, 2001, a Cessna 182P (registration N9875E) was involved in an aviation accident near Hondo, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane, which resulted in a loss of engine power in cruise flight due to water in the fuel. A contributing factor was the soft terrain encountered during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise flight at 2,500 feet MSL, engine power dropped to 900 rpm, prompting an off-airport landing. The nose landing gear dug into soft terrain, causing the airplane to come to rest inverted. Water and debris were found in the fuel.
Incident Overview
During cruise flight at an altitude of 2,500 feet above mean sea level, the engine power unexpectedly dropped to 900 revolutions per minute. The pilot executed an off-airport landing. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear dug into soft terrain, causing the airplane to come to rest in an inverted position.
Fuel Contamination
Subsequent examination of the fuel system revealed that water and debris were present in the fuel drained from the gascolator. The pilot reported that he had not observed any water in the fuel during the preflight inspection, and that the engine run-up before takeoff had revealed no discrepancies. A fuel sample taken from the fueling truck was found to be free of contamination.
What happened in the 27 May 2001 Cessna 182P accident near Hondo, TX?
During cruise flight at 2,500 feet MSL, engine power dropped to 900 rpm, prompting an off-airport landing. The nose landing gear dug into soft terrain, causing the airplane to come to rest inverted. Water and debris were found in the fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 May 2001 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N9875E, at Hondo, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane, which resulted in a loss of engine power in cruise flight due to water in the fuel. A contributing factor was the soft terrain encountered during the forced landing.
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