# NTSB FTW95LA273: Cessna A188A, N5631J, Pharr, TX, June 29, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 29, 1995, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC) - Place: Pharr, TX - Coordinates: 26.180644, -98.179534 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1806&lon=-98.1795&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 19, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19478 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA273 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19478/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA273 ## Probable cause THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT WHICH FAILED TO PURGE THE AIRCRAFT FUEL SYSTEM OF CONTAMINANTS. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - fuel system - contamination (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - Nose over, landing - roll - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - terrain condition - wet ## Analysis THE AIRCRAFT LOST ENGINE POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB FOLLOWING TAKEOFF. A FORCED LANDING WAS EXECUTED TO A WET FIELD AND ON TOUCHDOWN THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER TO THE INVERTED POSITION. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED EVIDENCE OF FUEL CONTAMINATION. ## Factual narrative On June 29, 1995, at 0800 central daylight time, a Cessna A188A, N5631J, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power during takeoff near Pharr, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 flight. The aircraft was operated by Holcomb Flying Service, of McAllen, Texas. According to interviews, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, and in a written report, the pilot stated that during the initial takeoff climb, the engine lost power. The pilot elected to execute a forced landing to a wet cotton field. The right main landing gear separated during the landing roll and the airplane came to rest in the inverted position. Post accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing spar was bent. The operator reported in his written report that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel system contamination. Examination of the engine did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that could have resulted in a loss of engine power. The operator reported in his written report that evidence of fuel contamination was found. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5631J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5631J-2005-06-06), registration cancelled 2005-06-06, S/N 18800581, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA A188A - Registry model: [Cessna A188A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188a) (registry code 2073008) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18800581 - Airframe hours: 2335 - Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Holcomb Flying Service, Inc. - Registered owner: Aaa Flying Service, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 13, 1995, 213 hours before - Departed: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 61; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 19,300 total, 17,000 in this make and model, 290 in the last 90 days, 85 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 7 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °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 19950629049049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950629049049A), Jun 29, 1995: Cessna A188A, Pharr, TX, Substantial damage. (-16) Investigation is not complete at present; will amend as necessary; pilot/operator suspects fuel contamination. ## Other investigations on N5631J (1) 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 CHI73FIQ08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73FIQ08), Aug 26, 1972: Cessna A188A (N5631J), Owensboro, KY, 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. --- 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.