Probable cause
The total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel, which resulted in the pilot's forced landing to unsuitable terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said the airplane's engine started "sputtering" then lost total power. He made a forced landing in a corn field, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that he performed a thorough preflight inspection of the airplane, during which he drained fuel from all three fuel sumps, and he found no evidence of water or sediment contamination. However, postaccident examination of fuel samples taken from both the left and right wing fuel tanks and from the gascolator fuel line revealed a substantial amount of water. The investigation revealed that the airplane had been parked outside and there had been recent heavy rains in the area.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA417 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 16, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mapleton, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-125
- N-number
- N663A
- 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.