# NTSB investigations: Fuel contamination

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 4 of 5 · 225 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ERA13LA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA276.md): Cessna 170 · Plainville, CT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2013 · N2585V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s overflight of the landing runway during a forced landing after a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight which resulted in his failure to detect water contamination of the fuel system.
- [NTSB CEN13CA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA315.md): Cub Crafters CCK · Cookson, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 3, 2013 · N319MA · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to check the fuel during the preflight, and failure to check the fuel storage tank’s fuel filter/water separator.
- [NTSB CEN13LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA260.md): Cessna A188B · Lyons, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 2013 · N731JF · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, during which he failed to detect the fuel contamination.
- [NTSB WPR13FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA141.md): Maule M5 · Woodinville, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2013 · N17PR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA13FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA055.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Jackson, MS · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2012 · N717RL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in his failure to note the water in the fuel tank due to condensation, which subsequently shut down the engine in flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…
- [NTSB CEN12FA654](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA654.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Roanoke, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2012 · N4567J · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel's failure to adequately correct the water contamination effects. Contributing to the severity of the occupants' injuries was the lack of…
- [NTSB WPR12CA350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA350.md): Cessna 152 · Eastvale, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2012 · N94185 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of both pilots to ensure that no water was present in the fuel, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power and a forced off-field landing.
- [NTSB CEN12CA469](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA469.md): Purtee Kevin M Pietenpol Aircamper · Broadhead, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 22, 2012 · N899KP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately remove water-contaminated fuel during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during takeoff, and his decision to initiate a turn back to the runway with insufficient airspeed, which resulted…
- [NTSB CEN12LA483](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA483.md): Eipper Quicksilver MXL II · Goodrich, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2012 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The operation of an unregistered and unairworthy airplane by a non-certificated pilot. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot’s improper preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to water/debris…
- [NTSB ERA12LA440](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA440.md): Cessna 170 · Panama City, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2012 · N2561V · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel, the pilot/owner's inadequate preflight inspection of his airplane, and his failure to maintain airplane control after the engine failure.
- [NTSB ERA12LA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA397.md): Cessna 170 · Biddeford, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2012 · N3812V · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA12FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA262.md): Beech 58 · Calhoun, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2012 · N9448Q · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain airplane control after experiencing a loss of power from the left engine due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and…
- [NTSB ERA12LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA186.md): Cessna 150J · Jasper, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2012 · N60276 · Substantial damage
  > The pilots' inadequate preflight inspection that failed to detect water-contaminated fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN12LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA128.md): Sanderson Pitts Special SPS-1 · Revere, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2012 · N330BL · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel contamination and the inadequate design of the fuel system.
- [NTSB WPR12LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA070.md): Ryan Navion · Concord, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 2011 · N4398K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and the subsequent total loss of engine power as a result of debris and water contamination in the fuel system.
- [NTSB ERA12LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA009.md): Cessna 150L · Punta Gorda, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2011 · N11280 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to contamination of the fuel system that was not detected because of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA11CA500](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA500.md): Spectrum RX 550 · Hartland, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 1, 2011 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB WPR11LA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA369.md): Cessna 140 · Wilkeson, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2011 · N2199N · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to water contamination in the fuel system.
- [NTSB CEN11LA529](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA529.md): Mooney M20K · Opelousas, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2011 · N231EH · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB ERA11LA418](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA418.md): Floyd Joseph B RV6 · Hartford, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2011 · N164BF · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination as a result of the pilot/owner's inadequate maintenance of the airplane's fuel system, which resulted in blockage of the fuel lines and filters.
- [NTSB WPR11FA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA331.md): Mooney M20F · Winslow, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2011 · N3534X · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR11LA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA289.md): Lemond FLY Fisher · West Glacier, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2011 · N397JL · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR11FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA166.md): Beech 200 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2011 · N849BM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a momentary interruption of power from the left engine during the initial takeoff climb. Contributing to the accident was the power interruption due to water contamination of the fuel,…
- [NTSB WPR11LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA150.md): Cessna 140A · Newark, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 2011 · N5351C · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection to identify and remove the water.
- [NTSB ERA11LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA142.md): Kennedy Michael M Lancair 320 · Dawsonville, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 2011 · N351E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to detect water-contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA11LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA139.md): Cessna 182P · Lincoln Park, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 2011 · N25HD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection (removal of water contamination from the fuel system), which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC11CA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA005.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Clear, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 23, 2010 · N40283 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to water/ice in the fuel system.
- [NTSB CEN11CA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA098.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Gregory, AR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 2, 2010 · N9145H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to detect water contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN11LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA084.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Navada, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 2010 · N4541L · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to debris obstructing the fuel filter, which resulted in fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA11LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA065.md): Cessna 172 · Hobe Sound, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2010 · N8306B · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination in the carburetor.
- [NTSB ERA11CA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA020.md): Mooney M20E · New Smyrna Beach, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 13, 2010 · N5743Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to water contaminated fuel.
- [NTSB ERA10LA484](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA484.md): Bell OH-58A · Covington, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2010 · N38FA · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to contamination of the helicopter's fuel supply.
- [NTSB ERA10LA466](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA466.md): Cessna 182Q · Virginia Beach, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2010 · N812KT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of power due to water contamination in the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA10LA457](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA457.md): Aero Commander 560E · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2010 · N175SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines during climb due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB ERA10LA449](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA449.md): Champion Aeronca 7HC · Louisville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2010 · N8919R · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination resulting in damage to the carburetor float.
- [NTSB ERA10LA438](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA438.md): Piper PA-30 · Douglas, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2010 · N8734Y · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and inadequate maintenance of the fuel system.
- [NTSB ERA10LA374](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA374.md): Mulloy Charles Zodiac 601XL · Enochville, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2010 · N601CX · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight of the fuel system.
- [NTSB WPR10LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA313.md): De Havilland DHC-1 · Port Orchard, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 2010 · N6540C · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel.
- [NTSB CEN10LA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA282.md): Cessna 172 · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 2010 · N2723U · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of water contamination in the fuel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection. Contributing the accident was an inoperative number 5 cylinder exhaust valve.
- [NTSB CEN10LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA256.md): Cessna P206B · Spring Branch, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 17, 2010 · N50LP · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB CEN10CA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA211.md): Piper J3C-65 · White Bear Lake, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2010 · N87792 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB CEN10FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA122.md): Piper PA-30 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2010 · N8501Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to detect water contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the worn and loose fuel caps, which allowed water to enter the fuel tanks.
- [NTSB WPR10LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA119.md): Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · La Quinta, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2010 · N243SC · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to water contamination in the fuel.
- [NTSB ERA10LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA111.md): Stinson 108 · Bayport, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2010 · N97223 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB WPR10LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA083.md): Piper PA-22-160 · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2009 · N9547D · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA10LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA032.md): Bell 206 · Eupora, MS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2009 · N57PH · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination of the helicopter’s fuel supply.
- [NTSB CEN09LA597](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA597.md): Piper PA-12 · Columbia, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2009 · N3234M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which included low ceilings and fog, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power as a result of water…
- [NTSB ANC09CA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA091.md): Helio H-295 · Koliganek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2009 · N6468V · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to water in the fuel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA09LA448](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA448.md): Kociemba Robert H T-Bird II · Keymar, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2009 · N90458 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB ERA09LA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA397.md): Aeronca 7AC · Auburn, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2009 · N2871E · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane and engine's fuel system.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md?page=5

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '193' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence?page=4

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