# NTSB investigations: Fuel filter-strainer 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 1 of 2 · 52 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB CEN26LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA221.md): Rockwell International S-2R · Gause, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2026 · N4990X · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the separated wing fuel tank screen and sealant debris in the fuel tank. - [NTSB ERA24FA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA308.md): Beech B-60 · Vienna Center, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 19, 2024 · N23553 · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a single-engine go-around. Also contributing to the accident was fuel system contamination, which resulted in detonation and a total loss of left engine power. - [NTSB CEN24LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA268.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Arcola, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2024 · N1941V · Substantial damage > Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl following an annual inspection. - [NTSB ANC23LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA078.md): Rhodes Steven D SR3500 · Nenana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2023 · N907W · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the owner/builder’s inadequate maintenance. - [NTSB ERA23LA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA325.md): Long Charles Jackson Avid Flyer · Wetumpka, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 3, 2023 · N3HH · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion because of a leaking fuel drain valve. - [NTSB WPR23LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA220.md): Piper PA-30 · Nephi, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2023 · N7318Y · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination as a result of the inadequate removal of fuel system corrosion during previous maintenance. - [NTSB ERA23LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA262.md): Burton Searey · Sherrills Ford, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2023 · N2440S · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to configure the amphibious airplane’s landing gear before conducting a forced landing to a lake after a loss of engine power. Also causal was the occluded gascolator and the pilot’s lack of knowledge about the airplane’s fuel system,… - [NTSB WPR23LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA203.md): Piper PA-28-181 · West Jordan, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2023 · N456Y · Substantial damage > Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl. - [NTSB CEN23FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA173.md): Cessna 310D · Ennis, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 6, 2023 · N6798T · Destroyed > The partial loss of right engine power due to reduced fuel flow as a result of the contamination of the fuel screen. - [NTSB CEN23LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA166.md): Protech PT2 · Columbia, MS · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 25, 2023 · N44048 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s lack of proper maintenance, which allowed the fuel filters to become obstructed, leading to fuel starvation and a subsequent engine power loss. - [NTSB ERA23LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA144.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Slaughters, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 2, 2023 · N9420N · Substantial damage > Maintenance personnel’s failure to secure the fuel strainer bowl with safety wire, which resulted in the fuel strainer bowl leaking and starving the engine of fuel. Also causal was the obstruction of two fuel injector nozzles. - [NTSB ERA22LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA313.md): Whittridge Twinstarr · Indian Trail, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 11, 2022 · N298RW · Substantial damage > A blockage of the fuel filter inlet by a piece of debris, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB CEN22LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA228.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Allport, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2022 · N5007R · Substantial damage > A partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from foreign object debris. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to follow the manufacturer’s required airframe fuel filter inspection interval. - [NTSB WPR22LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA138.md): Robinson Michael E Cozy Mark IV · Tucson, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 30, 2022 · N294MV · Substantial damage > The total loss of engine power during an approach due to clogged fuel filters, which resulted from an epoxide sealant used in manufacture of the airplane deteriorating and clogging the fuel filter. - [NTSB WPR22LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA014.md): Avid Mark IV · Payette, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2021 · N583DM · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of an outlet screen on the fuel system header tank. - [NTSB ERA21LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA173.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Springfield, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 5, 2021 · N5018Y · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s failure to abort the takeoff following a loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance of the left fuel cap by unknown maintenance personnel, which resulted in a blockage of the fuel… - [NTSB WPR21LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA019.md): Glasair III · Hayward, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N1YX · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the improper maintenance and inspection of the fuel filter. - [NTSB CEN20LA420](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA420.md): Beech V35 · Terrell, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 24, 2020 · N3958A · Substantial damage > Fuel starvation due to a fuel system leak, which resulted in a loss of engine power and the subsequent forced landing on unsuitable terrain. - [NTSB ERA20LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA278.md): Cessna P210 · Allendale, SC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 7, 2020 · N6300W · Destroyed > A total loss of engine power as a result of fuel starvation due to contamination from a thermoplastic polymer used in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to report debris observed in the fuel system during previous preflight… - [NTSB ERA20LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA261.md): Cessna 177RG · Salinas, PR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 24, 2020 · N1813Q · Substantial damage > Contamination and corrosion within the fuel system that resulted in a blockage, starvation of fuel to the engine, and the total loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA19TA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19TA254.md): GIger Frank R Nieuport II · Talladega, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Aug 17, 2019 · N112GV · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion after the pilot inadvertently kicked a fuel line during turbulence, which resulted in a forced landing into trees. - [NTSB CEN18FA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA336.md): Cessna 172 · Rhome, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2018 · N2893Q · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which… - [NTSB ERA17LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA242.md): Cessna 172 · Key Biscayne, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2017 · N80457 · Substantial damage > The nearly complete blockage of the right fuel tank strainer with organic material, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the fuel starvation was the pilot receiving instruction’s and the flight… - [NTSB CEN17LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA003.md): Beech C23 · Taylor, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2016 · N9704L · Destroyed > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of debris obstructing the fuel strainer screen and corrosion of the fuel strainer bowl. - [NTSB CEN16LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA296.md): Ryan Navion B · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2016 · N5294K · Substantial damage > A leak in the gascolator due to degraded rubber gaskets, which allowed air to enter the fuel system and resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during takeoff. - [NTSB WPR16LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA101.md): Antonov AN2 · San Bernardino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 6, 2016 · N2AN · Substantial damage > The mechanic’s failure to inspect the fine fuel filter gascolator as required during the most recent inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. - [NTSB ERA15LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA133.md): Johnson Joel H Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Rincon, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2015 · N5196W · Substantial damage > The inadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in partial blockage of a fuel filter, a partial loss of engine power, and subsequent ditching. - [NTSB WPR15LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA003.md): Corben Baby Ace D · Lincoln, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2014 · N3RH · Substantial damage > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from debris restricting the fuel flow within the fuel system. - [NTSB CEN14LA408](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA408.md): Raytheon B36TC · Decatur, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2014 · N1069T · Substantial damage > Debris in the fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA14LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA336.md): Beech C24R · Titusville, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2014 · N6222Q · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to secure the fuel strainer drain during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB ERA14LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA059.md): Moffitt Oscar/ Kit Prostar A/C PT2 · Trenton, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2013 · N355PT · Substantial damage > The airplane owner/pilot ‘s failure to follow the gascolator manufacturer’s recommendations for installing and safety wiring the gascolator strainer bowl, which resulted in the bowl separating and a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB WPR12LA441](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA441.md): Team MINI-MAX · Chula Vista, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2012 · N1532W · Substantial damage > A complete loss of engine power as a result of fuel starvation due to an unsecured fuel filter, which moved in flight and kinked the flexible fuel line, severely restricting the fuel flow to the carburetor. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate… - [NTSB CEN12FA586](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA586.md): Piper PA-23-150 · Canton, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2012 · N1486P · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper decision to attempt to execute a forced landing to an open field with obstacles. Contributing to the accident was the left engine’s total loss of power due to fuel starvation as a result of the introduction of air into the fuel system… - [NTSB WPR12LA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA315.md): Piper PA-32S-300 · Adelanto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2012 · N5212S · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff, which was aborted due to fuel starvation as a result of an inadvertent in-flight activation of the fuel drain activation lever by the passenger. Contributing to the accident was… - [NTSB CEN12LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA348.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Bangor, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2012 · N3431A · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to properly service the fuel system, and subsequent decision to conduct the flight with known fuel system deficiencies, which led to the total loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA12LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA217.md): Cessna 310K · Olive Branch, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2012 · N6974L · Substantial damage > Fuel leaking from the left engine fuel strainer onto electrical connections after engine start, which resulted in a fire. - [NTSB WPR12LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA009.md): Spink Robert M Pietenpol Aircamper · San Rafael, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2011 · N762S · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power during the takeoff climb due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the incorrect installation location of the fuel tank supply line screen that allowed debris to partially block the fuel supply line. - [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 CEN11LA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA367.md): Jones Cozy Mark IV · Sioux City, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 2011 · N204TJ · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper installation of the gascolator gasket during the airplane's last condition inspection, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering. - [NTSB CEN11FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA118.md): Eurocopter AS350-B2 · La Monte, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2010 · N549AM · Substantial damage > An interruption of fuel to the engine due to air in the fuel lines, which resulted in an engine flameout and the total loss of engine power. The reason for air in the fuel line resulting in an engine flameout could not be determined because postaccident… - [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 CEN10FA465](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA465.md): Cessna U206F · Ludington, MI · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2010 · N82531 · Substantial damage > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of accumulated debris in the fuel system from an undetermined source. Also causal was the inadequate annual maintenance inspection that did not include inspection of the firewall fuel strainer… - [NTSB ERA10LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA073.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Hammonton, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 2009 · N909CW · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to a blocked fuel vent. - [NTSB CEN10LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA050.md): Augustine David L Sonex · Burnet, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 2009 · N10DA · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power due to a clogged fuel screen that resulted in fuel starvation caused by the builder's inappropriate use of a fuel… - [NTSB ERA09LA532](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA532.md): Ryan Navion · Fire Island, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2009 · N4467K · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel starvation as a result of a deteriorated fuel gasket. - [NTSB ERA09CA493](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA493.md): Beech B19 · Thomasville, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2009 · N6982R · Substantial damage > A partial loss of engine power due to a partial blockage of the carburetor fuel inlet filter. - [NTSB ERA09LA476](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA476.md): Cessna 150J · Fairmount, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2009 · N61022 · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a contaminated fuel strainer. - [NTSB WPR09CA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA090.md): Mulec Frank A FP-404 · Hilo, HI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 18, 2009 · N81633 · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter. - [NTSB WPR09LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA048.md): Hughes 369HS · Fillmore, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 2008 · N9154F · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a loose fuel filter upper drain cap, which was not properly secured by maintenance personnel. - [NTSB LAX08CA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA228.md): Schweizer G-164B · Alturas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2008 · N3633B · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from a fuel system contamination and a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the rough terrain. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821/cases.md?page=2 ## 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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01022821')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821/cases --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.