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NTSB Report
February 24, 1985 · Benjamin Pitts S1U · N155LB
Fort Benton, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fort Benton, MT
Aircraft
Benjamin Pitts S1U
Tail Number
N155LB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85FTI02
THE ACFT CONTACTED A DIRT BANK DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A LANDING WAS MADE AT FORT BENTON ARPT WHERE THE ACFT WAS SERVICED WITH 11.85 GALLONS OF 100 OCT AVGAS. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE CARBURETOR BOWL AND FUEL SYSTEM. A 1 QT JAR WAS FILLED WITH FUEL FROM THE FUEL LINE TO THE CARBURETOR. A 17/32 INCH LAYER OF AVGAS WAS PRESENT ON TOP OF WATER WHICH FILLED THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE JAR. THE ACFT WAS REFUELED FROM AN UNDERGROUND TANK. THERE WAS NO FILTERIZATION ELEMENT ON THE REFUELING EQUIPMENT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CONTACTED A DIRT BANK DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A LANDING WAS MADE AT FORT BENTON ARPT WHERE THE ACFT WAS SERVICED WITH 11.85 GALLONS OF 100 OCT AVGAS. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE CARBURETOR BOWL AND FUEL SYSTEM. A 1 QT JAR WAS FILLED WITH FUEL FROM THE FUEL LINE TO THE CARBURETOR. A 17/32 INCH LAYER OF AVGAS WAS PRESENT ON TOP OF WATER WHICH FILLED THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE JAR. THE ACFT WAS REFUELED FROM AN UNDERGROUND TANK. THERE WAS NO FILTERIZATION ELEMENT ON THE REFUELING EQUIPMENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 MST
Nearest AirportFort Benton (5nm WSW)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBenjamin Pitts S1U
Tail NumberN155LB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A2F · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO