Primary finding
Probable cause
fuel contamination, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of a drain in the fuel system to properly check the fuel before flight, and the pilot's failure (or inability) to detect the contaminated fuel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the engine lost total power while in cruise flight at 2100 feet, and he attempted a forced landing. According to the pilot, when he made his approach to a designated field, he realized that he had overshot it. He then saw another nearby field, and headed for it. As he approached, he tried to pass through a clearing in a tree line bordering the field. As the airplane went through the tree line, its left wing hit a tree, which spun the plane around. The plane then landed in the Hoosac River. Examination revealed that the fuel was dark in color and contained particles of an undetermined composition. There was no provision for sumping fuel to check for water or other contaminants.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 16, 1996, at 1410 eastern standard time, a Dubis Minimax home-built airplane, N4335W, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Adams, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, no flight plan was filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR part 91 and originated at the North Adams Airport (2B6) at approximately 1345 with an intended destination of Pittsfield, Massachusetts (PSF). The pilot reported to the Adams, Massachusetts Police Department that while in cruise flight at 2100 feet "...the engine quit, entirely." The pilot reported that he selected a field for landing. He said, "When I made my approach to that designated field, I realized that I had over shot it. I then saw another nearby clearing, and headed for it. As I approached this clearing, I tried to pass through a clearing in the treeline boundaring the field. As I went through the treeline, my left wing hit a tree, which had spun my plane around 180 degrees. [The plane] then landed in the Hoosac River." A post accident inspection of the airplane was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Safety Inspector. The Inspector reported, "A check of the aircraft fuel system revealed contamination. The fuel was dark in color containing particles of unknown composition. There are no provisions for sumping fuel to check for water, or other contaminants. [The pilot/owner] stated that he uses dry gas to guard against water in the tank. The engine ignition wiring system was tested, along with a mechanical continuity check and was found operational. Post impact damage prevented an engine test run." -