Probable cause: A partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from an undetermined source.
NTSB Accidents
Mooney’s engine loses power
Probable cause: The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination and testing of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
VFR to IMC flight fatal for four
Probable cause: The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper decisions to begin and to continue a flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Fuel starvation leads to forced landing
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management and his failure to switch the fuel selector to the “both” position in accordance with the Before Landing checklist, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Pilot makes successful emergency landing, then hits signs and a fence while taxiing off road
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to taxi the airplane from the road and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from signs and a fence after a successful emergency landing following a total loss of engine power.
Cessna 170 ground loops during landing roll
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Three die when Cessna 172 crashes into water
Probable cause: Undetermined because the airplane was not located.
Student’s first solo goes awry
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
Fuel exhaustion leads to student’s forced landing in a field
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.







