ROANOKE, TX, USA
N9847A
Cessna 195A
During the forced landing, following a loss of engine power on takeoff, the airplane struck a tree and terrain. The pilot reported that during the preflight he 'Checked fuel-Visual; 30 gal each tank.' He reported 'no catastrophic engine failure.' The FAA inspector responding to the accident site found 'some contamination of rust and water in the fuel.'
On March 24, 2000, at 1530 central standard time, a Cessna 195A, single-engine airplane, N9847A, struck a tree and terrain following a loss of engine power during the takeoff/initial climb from runway 17 at the Northwest Regional Airport, near Roanoke, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot, sole occupant, received serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the airport approximately 1510. On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated, in part: Preflight "Checked fuel-Visual; 30 gal each tank." During the second takeoff on runway 17, the "engine started to fail." The pilot performed a forced landing to an open field; however, during the left turn toward the field, the left wing of the airplane clipped a tree. The airplane came to rest approximately 60 yards east of the airport perimeter, upright in the field. The pilot reported "No catastrophic engine failure." A witness reported that he "heard the airplane making power sounded weak-idle-about 40 ft" agl. He further reported that the engine "quit about 3/4 down the runway." The FAA inspector responding to the accident site found "some contamination of rust and water in the fuel." The left wing leading edge and aileron were crushed aft, and the fuselage and cockpit were crumpled. The engine, propeller, and firewall were damaged.
The pilot's inadequate preflight resulting in loss of engine power due to water and rust contamination of the fuel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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