Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Berm During Forced Landing After Power Rollback (N9639G)

Nickerson, KS, US

On July 31, 2002, a Cessna A188B (registration N9639G) operated by Ellinwood Flying Service Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Nickerson, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel starvation due to the fuel contamination, the blocked fuel strainer, and the refueling truck's contaminated fuel. A factor was the berm. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an agricultural spraying flight, the airplane experienced an unscheduled power rollback and executed a forced landing. During the landing roll, it struck a berm, causing substantial damage. Investigation found a black rubber-like substance blocking the fuel strainer, also present in the refueling truck's tank.

Incident Details

While the pilot was finishing the spraying of a field, the airplane's engine experienced an unscheduled power rollback. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an alfalfa field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a berm, which caused substantial damage to the aircraft.

Investigation Findings

A post-accident inspection of the airplane's fuel system was conducted. The fuel strainer was found to be blocked by a black rubber-like substance. Subsequently, the fuel truck that had been used to refuel the airplane was checked for contamination. The same type of black rubber-like substance that was obstructing the airplane's fuel strainer was also found in the fuel truck's 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.