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NTSB Report
July 6, 1985 · Cessna 170B · N2432D
Swan Lake, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Swan Lake, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N2432D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85LA181
THE PLT SAID THAT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THERE WAS AN ESTIMATED 14 GALS OF FUEL ON BOARD. AFTER APRX 30 MINUTES OF FLIGHT THE ENG LOST ALL PWR AND A FORCED LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN A MOUNTAINOUS CREEK BED. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE ACFT STRUCK A FEELED TREE AND OVERTURNED. POST-CRASH EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED ONLY TRACE AMOUNTS OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANKS, LINES, CARBURETOR BOWL, AND ACCELERATOR PUMP. NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE GASCOLATOR. THE ENG WAS LATER TEST RUN AND OPERATED SATISFACTORILY. THE FUEL LINE BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND CARBURETOR WAS SAID TO BE A RUBBER VACUUM LINE AND AN UNAPPROVED INSTALLATION. THE LINE WAS SO DETERIORATED AND BRITTLE THAT IT BROKE INTO SEVERAL PIECES WHILE BEING REMOVED FOR EXAMINATION. THE PLT REPORTED HE USED A STOPWATCH TO KEEP TRACK OF THE FUEL SUPPLY BECAUSE THE FUEL GAGES WERE INACCURATE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT SAID THAT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THERE WAS AN ESTIMATED 14 GALS OF FUEL ON BOARD. AFTER APRX 30 MINUTES OF FLIGHT THE ENG LOST ALL PWR AND A FORCED LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN A MOUNTAINOUS CREEK BED. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE ACFT STRUCK A FEELED TREE AND OVERTURNED. POST-CRASH EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED ONLY TRACE AMOUNTS OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANKS, LINES, CARBURETOR BOWL, AND ACCELERATOR PUMP. NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE GASCOLATOR. THE ENG WAS LATER TEST RUN AND OPERATED SATISFACTORILY. THE FUEL LINE BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND CARBURETOR WAS SAID TO BE A RUBBER VACUUM LINE AND AN UNAPPROVED INSTALLATION. THE LINE WAS SO DETERIORATED AND BRITTLE THAT IT BROKE INTO SEVERAL PIECES WHILE BEING REMOVED FOR EXAMINATION. THE PLT REPORTED HE USED A STOPWATCH TO KEEP TRACK OF THE FUEL SUPPLY BECAUSE THE FUEL GAGES WERE INACCURATE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 MDT
Nearest Airport4nm E
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN2432D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · O-300 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 11 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourcePILO