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NTSB Report

October 5, 2001 · Cessna 170 · N4180V

Bennettsville, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 5, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bennettsville, SC
Aircraft
Cessna 170
Tail Number
N4180V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA02LA006

The airplane was flown a total of approximately 2 hours 25 minutes on two separate flights since the fuel tanks were filled. The first flight was approximately 2 hours duration taking place 1 day before the accident. The second flight lasted approximately 25 minutes and took place earlier on the accident date departing with nearly full fuel in the left fuel tank and approximately 1 hour of fuel remaining in the right fuel tank. The pilot stated that after takeoff on the accident flight with the fuel selector positioned to the "both" position, the engine quit when the flight was approximately 200 feet above ground level. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing in a field and while in a forward slip; the right main landing gear collided with a ditch. The right wing then contacted the ditch and the airplane came to rest. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the pilot/owner who is also an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed that the vent line which connects to both fuel tanks was blocked near the left wing root area. Additionally, the fuel supply line between the fuel selector valve and the fuel strainer was found to be kinked and foreign matter was found inside the kinked line. The owner/pilot reported that the damage to the line was not the result of the forced landing and subsequent damage to the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The blockage of the fuel vent and also the collapsed fuel supply line resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On October 5, 2001, about 1315 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 170, N4180V, registered to Vega Aero Services, Inc., experienced a loss of power during the initial climb after takeoff and collided with terrain during a forced landing near Bennettsville, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 2 minutes earlier. The airplane was flown a total of approximately 2 hours 25 minutes on two separate flights since the fuel tanks were filled. The first flight was approximately 2 hours duration taking place 1 day before the accident. The second flight lasted approximately 25 minutes and took place earlier on the accident date departing with nearly full fuel in the left fuel tank and approximately1 hour of fuel remaining in the right fuel tank. The pilot stated that after takeoff on the accident flight with the fuel selector positioned to the "both" position, the engine quit when the flight was approximately 200 feet above ground level. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing in a field and while in a foward slip; the right main landing gear collided with a ditch. The right wing then contacted the ditch and the airplane came to rest. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane out the right door. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the pilot/owner who is also an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed that the vent line which connects to both fuel tanks was blocked near the left wing root area. Additionally, the fuel supply line between the fuel selector valve and the fuel strainer was found to be kinked and foreign matter was found inside the kinked line. The owner/pilot reported that the damage to the line was not the result of the forced landing and subsequent damage to the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170
Tail NumberN4180V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data