At about 1800 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff from a private airstrip. The private pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot later reported the airplane sat for approximately a month prior to the accident flight, with its wing fuel tanks about one-quarter full. His preflight inspection included sumping the fuel tanks, and he thought he had removed all water and contamination from the fuel tanks. About 40 feet agl, the engine began to run rough. Since the engine was still producing partial power, the pilot attempted to return to the airport. However, the airplane impacted a field west of the airport and came to rest inverted. The pilot believed some contamination may have remained in the fuel.
February 17, 2011, Jonesborough, Tenn., Cessna 150H
At about 1800 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff from a private airstrip. The private pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot later reported the airplane sat for approximately a month prior to the accident flight, with its wing fuel tanks about one-quarter full. His preflight inspection included sumping the fuel tanks, and he thought he had removed all water and contamination from the fuel tanks.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip.
- The incident occurred at 40 feet AGL after the aircraft had sat for approximately a month with low fuel levels.
- The pilot suspects the engine trouble was caused by residual fuel contamination that he believed he had removed during his preflight inspection.
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