Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent addition of water into the fuel system and his improper preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the engine stopped producing power shortly after takeoff. He initially tried to land on a road, but the engine momentarily re-started before it stopped completely. The pilot then made a forced landing to a corn field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and airframe. Examination of the engine found water in the carburetor. The pilot stated that when he placed auto gas in the airplane's fuel tanks earlier that day, he used gas cans from his shop, which most likely contained water. He also did not sump the wing tanks prior to the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA481 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 10, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Humboldt, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Super 18 Llc S18-STD
- N-number
- N230AK
- 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.