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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 30, 1997 · Cessna A150K · N8332M

Elgin, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elgin, OK
Aircraft
Cessna A150K
Tail Number
N8332M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA290

According to the pilot, he had fueled the airplane from his own 150 gallon tank, which had been idle for approximately 18 months. The pilot reported that he preflighted the airplane in the hangar before takeoff. He stated that the takeoff appeared normal until approximately '75 feet agl when the engine quit.' Also, he reported that he 'attempted to turn left back to a lane beside the runway, but he felt the airplane begin to stall and buffet.' He lowered the nose to gain speed and landed in some tree tops. Postcrash examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that 'the fuel in the airplane's fuel tank was dark and muddy looking.' The pilot reported (to the IIC) that 'he believes that the airplane's fuel was contaminated which caused his power failure.'

NTSB Probable Cause

fuel contamination, and the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane. Trees in the emergency landing area were considered a related factor.

Full Narrative

On July 30, 1997, approximately 1400 central daylight time, a Cessna A150K, N8332M, was substantially damaged following loss of engine power during initial climb following takeoff from a private grass strip near Elgin, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was operated by a private individual under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight which was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, he had fueled the airplane from his own 150 gallon tank which had been idle for approximately 18 months. The pilot reported to the Investigator-In-Charge (IIC) that he preflighted the airplane in the hangar before takeoff. He stated that the takeoff appeared normal until approximately "75 feet agl when the engine quit." The pilot reported to the IIC that he "attempted to turn left back to a lane beside the runway, but he felt the airplane begin to stall and buffet." He lowered the airplane's nose to gain speed and landed in some tree tops. Postcrash examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that "the fuel in the airplane's fuel tank was dark and muddy looking." The pilot reported to the IIC that "he believes that the airplane's fuel was contaminated which caused his power failure."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A150K
Tail NumberN8332M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E20 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4400 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data