WPR11LA150

A loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection to identify and remove the water.

The pilot reported that he had just purchased the airplane. Prior to the flight, he completed a preflight inspection, which included filling the fuel tanks and then draining the fuel sump points and looking for water. During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over. A postaccident engine examination found water in the carburetor bowl. The estimated quantity of water was about 3/4 ounce. Evidence of water was also found in the gascolator. At the conclusion of the engine examination, no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure was found that would have precluded normal operation.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On February 26, 2011, about 1245 Pacific standard time (PST), a Cessna 140A, N5351C, nosed over during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Newark, California. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The airline transport pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Palo Alto Airport, Palo Alto, California, about 1240, with a planned destination of Victorville, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot had just purchased the airplane on February 26, 2011, and it was being flown to his home in Illinois. After takeoff, the pilot reported that the engine lost power. During the forced landing the airplane flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the main landing gear box. The airplane was recovered for further investigation. The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), and reported that he had drained the sump points after filling the airplane with fuel; however, he did not lift the tail prior to sumping the tanks. He opined that since the airplane was a tailwheeled airplane, the water might have been trapped. On March 2, 2011, the airplane and engine were examined at Plain Parts Enterprises, Pleasant Grove, California. During the examination, water was found in the carburetor bowl. The estimated quantity of water was about 3/4 ounce. Evidence of water was also found in the gascolator. A copy of the wreckage examination is attached to the accident docket. At the conclusion of the engine examination, no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.