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NTSB Report
May 11, 1989 · Porterfield CP-55 · N32340
Tecumseh, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tecumseh, MI
Aircraft
Porterfield CP-55
Tail Number
N32340
Operator
Rothfuss George H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI89LA086
WHILE IN NORMAL CRUISE FLIGHT AT ABOUT 800 FEET AGL, THE ENGINE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND RUN ROUGH. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, AND SELECTED A NEWLY PLOWED FIELD FOR A FORCED LANDING SITE. THE AIRCRAFT'S MAIN LANDING GEAR SANK INTO THE SOFT SOIL DURING THE LANDING ROLL AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OPERATINS, WHICH FAILED TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, AND RESULTED IN THE SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF POWER AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED SOFT, LOOSE SOIL DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND FLIPPED OVER.
Full Narrative
WHILE IN NORMAL CRUISE FLIGHT AT ABOUT 800 FEET AGL, THE ENGINE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND RUN ROUGH. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, AND SELECTED A NEWLY PLOWED FIELD FOR A FORCED LANDING SITE. THE AIRCRAFT'S MAIN LANDING GEAR SANK INTO THE SOFT SOIL DURING THE LANDING ROLL AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:05 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPorterfield CP-55
Tail NumberN32340
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRothfuss George H
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 12 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:58
Weather SourceWFAC