# NTSB CHI89LA086: Porterfield CP-55, N32340, Tecumseh, MI, May 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1989, 09:05 local (13:05 UTC)
- Place: Tecumseh, MI
- Coordinates: 42.000679, -83.939926 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0007&lon=-83.9399&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14348
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89LA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14348/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA086

## Probable cause

PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OPERATINS, WHICH FAILED TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, AND RESULTED IN THE SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF POWER AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED SOFT, LOOSE SOIL DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND FLIPPED OVER.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field
  - terrain condition - soft
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

WHILE IN NORMAL CRUISE FLIGHT AT ABOUT 800 FEET AGL, THE ENGINE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND RUN ROUGH. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, AND SELECTED A NEWLY PLOWED FIELD FOR A FORCED LANDING SITE. THE AIRCRAFT'S MAIN LANDING GEAR SANK INTO THE SOFT SOIL DURING THE LANDING ROLL AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32340](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N32340), registered now, S/N 798 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PORTERFIELD CP-55
- Registry model: [Porterfield CP-55](https://openairdocs.org/model/porterfield-cp-55) (registry code 6480116) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 798
- Airframe hours: 2736
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rothfuss, George H.
- Registered owner: Rothfuss, George H
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1988, 13 hours before
- Departed: ADG, ADRIAN, MI
- Destination: 3TE, TECUMSEH, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 170 total, 8 in this make and model, 114 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 12 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JXN, 29 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19890511011559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890511011559A), May 11, 1989: Norwst CP55PORTFLD, Tecumseh, MI, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Landed in a plowed field and nosed over. Fuel system had water contamination.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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