History of Flight
On February 26, 2011, about 1245 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 140A, registration N5351C, nosed over during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Newark, California. The airline transport pilot, who had just purchased the airplane that day, was operating it under 14 CFR Part 91 on a cross-country personal flight. The flight departed Palo Alto Airport, Palo Alto, California, at about 1240, with a planned destination of Victorville, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
After takeoff, the pilot reported that the engine lost power. During the forced landing the airplane flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the main landing gear box. The airplane was recovered for further investigation.
Pilot Report
The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report and stated that he had drained the sump points after filling the airplane with fuel, but did not lift the tail prior to sumping the tanks. He opined that, because the airplane was a tailwheel type, water might have been trapped in the system.
Examination
On March 2, 2011, the airplane and engine were examined at Plain Parts Enterprises, Pleasant Grove, California. During the examination, water was found in the carburetor bowl, with an estimated quantity of about 3/4 ounce. Evidence of water was also found in the gascolator. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.