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NTSB Report

September 27, 1998 · Cessna T-50 · N6HS

Missoula, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Missoula, MT
Aircraft
Cessna T-50
Tail Number
N6HS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA98LA193

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the right engine lost power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and landed the airplane in an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence. Witnesses reported that fuel was observed flowing from the right engine lower nacelle as the pilot was starting the engines in preparation for taxi and departure. One witness approached the aircraft and told the pilot of this situation. The pilot disregarded this information and proceeded to start the right engine and taxi to the runway. After the accident, fuel was observed flowing from the right engine. A fireman opened the access panel and found that the gascolator quick drain was locked in the open position. The fireman turned the mechanism 90 degrees and the drain sprang shut. The fuel flow then stopped.

NTSB Probable Cause

A quick drain was open due to the pilot's inadequate preflight.

Full Narrative

On September 27, 1998, at 0925 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T-50, N6HS, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing shortly after takeoff from the Missoula International Airport, Missoula, Montana. During the landing roll in a field, the airplane collided with a fence. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the airline transport pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight was en route to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In a written statement, the pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the right engine lost power. The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain altitude and continued straight ahead, and landed the airplane in a pasture. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence before coming to rest. The pilot stated that after the accident, fuel was observed running from the right engine drain valve. Witnesses reported that fuel was observed flowing from the right engine lower nacelle as the pilot was starting the engines in preparation for taxi and departure. One witness approached the aircraft and told the pilot of this situation. The pilot disregarded this information and proceeded to start the right engine and taxi to the runway. After the accident, fire department personnel observed fuel flowing from the right engine. One fireman reported that he opened the access panel and found that the gascolator quick drain was locked in the open position. The fireman turned the mechanism 90 degrees and the drain sprang shut. The fuel flow then stopped. After the aircraft was moved to the airport, a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Helena, Montana, Flight Standards District Office inspected the gascolator quick drain. The inspector found that the mechanism operated with no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:25 MDT
Nearest Airport1nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T-50
Tail NumberN6HS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJacobs · R755-9 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 74 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data