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NTSB Report

September 11, 2004 · Cessna 152 · N35FD

Inverness, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Inverness, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N35FD
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04CA179

The pilot stated that he measured the fuel in each fuel tank with a marked stick and determined that "7.75 gallons of usable fuel" was onboard. He stated that he checked the fuel from each wing fuel tank sump as well from the fuel strainer drain under the fuselage, and did not detect any water or contaminants. He stated that he performed a satisfactory run-up and a "normal take-off." The pilot stated that at approximately 300 feet above the ground, the engine lost partial power. He stated that he considered turning the airplane back toward the airport, but elected to continue straight and land on the tops of some tall trees. The airplane subsequently fell to the ground. Examination of the wreckage site revealed that the airplane came to rest nose down on the right wing 1/4 mile beyond and 500 feet to the right of the departure end of runway 1. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the tops of both wings were buckled and the left wing was displaced aft. The empennage was dented and bent. Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed that six ounces of water was recovered from the carburetor fuel inlet line. According to the Cessna 152 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the maximum fuel capacity is 26 gallons. It states, "the fuel tanks should be filled after each flight to prevent condensation." The weather reporting station at Ocala, Florida, 22 nautical miles northeast of Inverness, Florida, reported the temperature-dew point spread on September 11, 2004 at 0853 to be 26-24 degrees Celsius and at 0943 to be 28-24 degrees Celsius. The pilot further stated that his airplane had been tied down outside without a cover and had not been flown for over thirty days.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his failure to detect the presence of water in the fuel system, which resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent collision with trees and terrain.

Full Narrative

On September 11, 2004, at 0943 eastern daylight time, N35FD, a Cessna 152, registered to and operated by a private pilot, collided with trees 1/4 mile beyond the departure end of runway 1 following a loss of engine power at Inverness Airport, Inverness, Florida. The local flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated at Inverness Airport, Inverness, Florida on September 11, 2004, at 0941 edt. According to the pilot, he thoroughly preflighted his airplane. He stated that he measured the fuel in each fuel tank with a marked stick and determined that "7.75 gallons of usable fuel" was onboard. He stated that he checked the fuel from each wing fuel tank sump as well from the fuel strainer drain under the fuselage, and did not detect any water or contaminants. He stated that he performed a satisfactory run-up and a "normal take-off." The pilot stated that at approximately 300 feet above the ground, the engine lost partial power. He stated that he considered turning the airplane back toward the airport, but elected to continue straight and land on the tops of some tall trees. The airplane subsequently fell to the ground. Examination of the wreckage site revealed that the airplane came to rest nose down on the right wing 1/4 mile beyond and 500 feet to the right of the departure end of runway 1. Examination of the wreckage revealed that that the tops of both wings were buckled and the left wing was displaced aft. The empennage was dented and bent. Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed that six ounces of water was recovered from the carburetor fuel inlet line. According to the Cessna 152 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the maximum fuel capacity is 26 gallons. It states, "the fuel tanks should be filled after each flight to prevent condensation." The weather reporting station at Ocala, Florida, 22 nautical miles northeast of Inverness, Florida, reported the temperature-dew point spread on September 11, 2004 at 0853 to be 26-24 degrees Celsius and at 0943 to be 28-24 degrees Celsius. The pilot further stated that his airplane had been tied down outside without a cover and had not been flown for over thirty days.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:43 EDT
Nearest AirportInverness (0nm)
Runway1
Runway Length3762 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN35FD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time13:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data