# NTSB SEA91LA190: Fleet FL-80, Havre, MT, July 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1991, 12:05 local (18:05 UTC)
- Place: Havre, MT
- Coordinates: 48.560512, -109.729385 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.5605&lon=-109.7294&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41496
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA190
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41496/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA190

## Probable cause

THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL INJECTION PUMP METERING VALVE SHAFT WAS LOOSE. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: INADEQUATE ANNUAL INSPECTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,pump - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT APPLIED FULL POWER; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. UNABLE TO LAND AT AN AIRPORT, A FORCED LANDING WAS INITIATED TO AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. A POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL INJECTION PUMP METERING VALVE SHAFT WAS LOOSE IN THE PUMP HOUSING. THE SHAFT WAS PUSHED BACK INTO POSITION AND THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND FOUND TO RUN AND MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED RPM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: CFDPZ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: FLEET FL-80
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 052
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12FJ 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thorpe, John
- Departed: GGW, GLASGOW, MT
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 15,000 total, 270 in this make and model, 12,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

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

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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