Forced landing following engine power rollback

Casualties unknown • Nickerson, KS, US

A pilot performed a forced landing into an alfalfa field after encountering an unscheduled power rollback during agricultural spraying operations.

What happened

While completing the spraying of a field, the pilot of the aircraft encountered an unsulated power rollback. In response to the loss of engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing into an alfalfa field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a berm, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

An inspection of the aircraft's fuel system was conducted following the accident. Investigators discovered that the fuel strainer was blocked with a black, rubber-like substance. To determine the source of the blockage, the fuel truck used to refuel the airplane was also inspected for contaminants. The investigation found that the same black, rubber-like substance present in the aircraft's fuel filter strainer was also present in the tank of the refueling truck.

Probable cause

The engine power rollback was caused by a blockage in the fuel strainer resulting from a rubber-like contaminant present in the refueling truck's fuel tank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-07-31 Cessna A188B accident near Nickerson, KS?

A pilot performed a forced landing into an alfalfa field after encountering an unscheduled power rollback during agricultural spraying operations.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-07-31 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N9639G, operated by Ellinwood Flying Service Inc, at Nickerson, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine power rollback was caused by a blockage in the fuel strainer resulting from a rubber-like contaminant present in the refueling truck's fuel tank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020731X01278. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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