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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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January 4, 2014 · Cessna 170 - B B · N8177A

Nome, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Nome, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 170 - B B (1952)
Tail Number
N8177A
Operator
James West
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC14CA014

According to the pilot, the airplane was pulled out of the hangar and preflighted for a maintenance test flight, following an extensive annual inspection. Approximately 10 minutes after departure the airplane lost all engine power, and made an emergency landing on the sea ice. During the emergency landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. While inspecting the airplane after the accident, the pilot said he found water in the airplane's gascolator. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector revealed water in the fuel system, including the carburetor bowl. The pilot indicated that other than the water in the fuel, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. In the pilot's written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board he noted that the accident might have been avoided if the airplane had been placed on level ground after it was pulled from the hangar, thereby allowing the water to be drained from the fuel system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately remove water-contaminated fuel during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was pulled out of the hangar and preflighted for a maintenance test flight, following an extensive annual inspection. Approximately 10 minutes after departure the airplane lost all engine power, and made an emergency landing on the sea ice. During the emergency landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. While inspecting the airplane after the accident, the pilot said he found water in the airplane's gascolator. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector revealed water in the fuel system, including the carburetor bowl. The pilot indicated that other than the water in the fuel, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. In the pilot's written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board he noted that the accident might have been avoided if the airplane had been placed on level ground after it was pulled from the hangar, thereby allowing the water to be drained from the fuel system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170 - B B
Tail NumberN8177A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames West
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 74 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 21 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data