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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 10, 2001 · Champion 7EC · N4737E

Monson, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Monson, ME
Aircraft
Champion 7EC
Tail Number
N4737E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC01LA119

Prior to the accident flight, the floatplane was in storage during the winter season. The pilot stated that during the preflight inspection, he check the fuel and oil quantity. However, he did not examine any fuel samples for contamination. The pilot started the engine, let it idle for approximately 10 minutes, and then departed the pond. During the climb, the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing into trees. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed approximately 2 tablespoons of visible contamination in the gascolator.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate aircraft preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during climb due to fuel contamination.

Full Narrative

On May 10, 2001, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Champion 7EC, N4737E, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Monson, Maine. The certificated student pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was equipped with floats. The student pilot stated that during the preflight inspection, he checked the fuel and oil quantity. However, he did not examine any fuel samples for contamination. The student pilot started the engine, and let it idle for approximately 10 minutes. He then circled Monson Pond twice and tookoff about 1730. During the climb, the engine lost all power, and he performed a forced landing into trees. During the impact, both wings folded aft, and the floats separated. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage. He stated that the accident flight was the first flight after winter. During the examination, the inspector observed approximately 2 tablespoons of "watery sludge" in the gascolator. The inspector added that the pilot held his student certificate for several years, but had no current endorsements from a flight instructor.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMonson Pond (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7EC
Tail NumberN4737E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data