Probable cause
The pilot's improper installation of the gascolator gasket during the airplane's last condition inspection, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The airplane sustained a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering at 7,500 feet mean sea level about 10 miles from the departure airport. The pilot then elected to return to the departure airport for a precautionary landing. While en route, he smelled fuel and shut the fuel selector off. He executed a landing to a field after he realized that the glidepath would not reach the runway. The pilot stated that he did not install the gascolator gasket properly during his last condition inspection of the airplane, which resulted in air entering the fuel system and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA367 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sioux City, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud (SUX)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Cozy Mark IV
- N-number
- N204TJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.