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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 11, 2007 · Cessna A188A · N4413Q

Clinton, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 2007
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Clinton, OK
Aircraft
Cessna A188A
Tail Number
N4413Q
Operator
Wright Air
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW07LA108

As the agricultural pilot was pulling up from a low level pass, he smelled something "like wires burning" and observed the engine's fuel pressure drop. The pilot selected the auxiliary fuel pump's "EMERGENCY" position and five to ten seconds later the engine lost partial power. Not able to maintain altitude, the pilot elected to land the airplane to a rolling wheat field. During landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. An examination of the airplane revealed that, prior to impact, the engine exhaust stack had separated from the muffler. Hot exhaust gasses, that are normally vented overboard, were directed to the airplanes firewall, resulting in thermal damaged to electrical wiring and a vapor condition in the fuel gascolator. The pilot attempted to purge the vapor to no avail. No other pre impact anomalies were noted with the engine or the fuel system that would have prevented normal operating power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Separation of the exhaust stack and resulting vapor lock. A contributing factor was the none suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 2007, about 1250 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna A188A airplane, N4413Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Clinton, Oklahoma. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from Clinton Regional Airport (CLK), Clinton, Oklahoma at 1157. According to the pilot, age 35, as he was pulling up from a low level pass, he smelled something "like wires burning" and observed the engine's fuel pressure drop to approximately six gallons per hour (GPH). The pilot selected the auxiliary fuel pump's "EMERGENCY" position which resulted in an increase in fuel pressure to about 22 GPH. Approximately five to ten seconds later the engine's fuel pressure again dropped to approximately six gallons per hour. Not able to maintain altitude, the pilot elected to land the airplane to a rolling wheat field. Prior to landing, the pilot shut off the engine magnetos and master switch. During landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. A post impact fire did not occur. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector responded to the accident site. According to the inspector, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and both wings. The inspector further reported that aviation fuel was found in the airplane's main fuel tanks and in the engine's fuel manifold. The NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) and a representative from Teledyne Continental Motors examined the airplane following its recovery. The examination revealed that prior to impact, the engine exhaust stack had separated from the muffler. The electrical wiring attached to the firewall in the area behind the muffler was found thermally damaged. The fuel gascolator was also attached to the firewall in this area. No other pre impact anomalies were noted with the engine or the fuel system that would have prevented normal operating power. According to the Cessna Agwagon Owners Manual dated 1970/71, page 2-12, "...if fuel vapor is affecting engine operation, the vapor may be purged by placing the switch in the "EMERGENCY" position while leaning the mixture as required to prevent excessively rich mixture. Successful vapor purging is evidenced by smooth engine operation and steady and normal fuel flow indications with the auxiliary fuel pump switch "OFF.""

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188A
Tail NumberN4413Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWright Air
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data