Accident Overview
On September 10, 2019, at about 1230 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, registration N5347T, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from a road near Grassy Butte, North Dakota. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to (registration expired) and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
According to local law enforcement and the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot used the airplane to monitor cattle on his ranch. The pilot stated that he was departing from the road to the north and climbed to about 40 feet above ground level when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot made a left turn and landed hard in the field parallel to the road.
Post-Accident Examination
The FAA inspector completed a preliminary examination of the airplane. He reported that a significant amount of water was found in the carburetor and the airplane's fuel tanks. Additionally, water was found in the supply fuel tank from which the pilot fueled the airplane. A local mechanic who had possession of the maintenance logbooks stated that a recent annual inspection had not been completed and the airplane was not in good shape overall.
Pilot Statement
After the accident, the pilot stated that before takeoff he did not check the airplane's fuel tanks for contamination nor did he check the external fuel supply tank for contamination.