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NTSB Report
May 31, 1991 · Cessna 172E · N3663S
Grundy Center, IA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Grundy Center, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 172E
Tail Number
N3663S
Operator
Robert Willett
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA178
THE PILOT OF A SINGLE ENGINE AIRPLANE REPORTED THE ENGINE SPUTTERING 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. HE CONTACTED AN APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY AND OBTAINED A STEER TO THE NEAREST AIRFIELD, BUT LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND LANDED IN A FARM FIELD. THE WRECKAGE SHOWED FUEL STAINS ALONG THE LOWER FUSELAGE FROM FIREWALL AFT. FUEL STAINS COMMENCED AT THE FUEL STRAINER. THE STRAINER BOWL HAD NO SAFETY WIRE INSTALLED.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE BY OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO INSTALL A SAFETY WIRE AND FUEL EXHAUSTION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF A SINGLE ENGINE AIRPLANE REPORTED THE ENGINE SPUTTERING 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. HE CONTACTED AN APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY AND OBTAINED A STEER TO THE NEAREST AIRFIELD, BUT LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND LANDED IN A FARM FIELD. THE WRECKAGE SHOWED FUEL STAINS ALONG THE LOWER FUSELAGE FROM FIREWALL AFT. FUEL STAINS COMMENCED AT THE FUEL STRAINER. THE STRAINER BOWL HAD NO SAFETY WIRE INSTALLED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172E
Tail NumberN3663S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Willett
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC