Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight and failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was fuel contamination resulting in total loss of engine power on takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was at 100 feet agl during takeoff on a flight to deliver the airplane for annual inspection when a total loss of engine power occurred. During the forced landing, the airplane stalled and contacted the runway in a nose down attitude. The auto gas stc approved airplane had not been flown for several months. During preflight with the airplane parked on a slope, no water was drained from the tanks and a pale 1/2 inch layer at the bottom of the clear gascolator bowl was reported by the pilot. Inspection immediately after the accident revealed approximately 1/4 inch of ice inside the gascolator. Fuel samples from the tanks revealed water and particulates.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 11, 1994, at approximately 0845 hours eastern standard time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N2965H, operated by William Gras of Zeeland, Michigan, experienced a total loss of engine power, stalled and impacted the runway after takeoff from Frankfort City Airport, Frankfort, Michigan and was substantially damaged. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, as a personal flight and was originating at the time of the accident. The airplane landed in a nose down attitude and slid 89 feet along the runway. The engine, firewall and forward fuselage sustained substantial damage. The FAA Airworthiness Inspector on scene reported that the engine rotated freely by turning the propeller. The carburetor was destroyed during impact. FAA inspection revealed 1/4 inch of ice inside the gascolator immediately after the accident. The wing fuel tanks were ruptured. The nose fuel tank remained intact and was a source for fuel samples. Fuel samples revealed visible particulate contamination as well as visible water and ice particles. The pilot stated that he was aware of ice in the gascolator bowl, but felt it would not be a problem since it was in the bottom of the bowl. The pilot stated that the airplane had been tied down outside for the winter and last flown in the fall of 1993. -