# NTSB DEN91LA089: Cessna A188B, N8278G, Delta, CO, June 24, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1991, 07:15 local (13:15 UTC)
- Place: Delta, CO
- Coordinates: 38.739246, -108.070487 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7392&lon=-108.0705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91LA089
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA089

## Probable cause

A TOTAL POWER LOSS DUE TO A RUPTURED FUEL LINE, AND THE INSTALLATION OF AN INCORRECT FUEL LINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fuel system,line - failure,total (cause)
  - fuel system,line - incorrect (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - sign
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

AS THE PILOT WAS PULLING UP FROM A SPRAY RUN, THE ENGINE LOST POWER.  HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A RURAL ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A SIGN AND THE MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. POSTACCIDENT ENGINE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE FUEL PRESSURE LINE HAD FAILED WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THE NUT HAD BEEN OVER TORQUED. THE COPPER FUEL LINE WAS INSTALLED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS OVERHAULED, AND FAILED 63 HOURS LATER. ACCORDING TO THE AIRPLANE MANUFACTURER, A FLEXIBLE STEEL BRAIDED LINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8278G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8278G-2004-12-03), registration cancelled 2004-12-03, S/N 18801275T, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A188B
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TP500 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tp500-series) (registry code 17050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 188012765T
- Engines: Continental IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Charles M. Gilpen, doing business as Valley Aviation Service
- Registered owner: Charles M. Gilpen
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 8,000 total, 200 in this make and model, 200 in the last 90 days, 200 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910624023789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910624023789A), Jun 24, 1991: Cessna A188B, Delta, CO, Substantial damage. Lost fuel pressure on spray run. Engine quit. Landing on road,struck a sign. Fuel pressure line broke. Over torqued

## Other investigations on N8278G (2)

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.

- [NTSB DEN82DA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA101), Jun 11, 1982: Cessna 188B (N8278G), Central, UT, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC75FCA23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC75FCA23), Apr 4, 1975: Cessna 188B (N8278G), Caruthersville, MO, substantial damage

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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