Cessna 152 N95551 accident near La Porte, Texas

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted from the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that did not detect water contamination.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was conducting a postmaintenance test flight. He reported that no evidence of water was found in samples from the main fuel tanks during the preflight inspection. He added that, during approach to the runway, the engine lost power. He attempted to restore power but was unsuccessful. There was no remaining runway in front of him, so he turned the airplane to avoid a ditch and landed on the soft ground. The airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage and firewall.

During postaccident examination of the airplane, water was found in the fuel lines, engine fuel bowl, and carburetor. An examination of the engine and fuel systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the loss of engine power resulted from water contamination of the fuel system.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA153 for the full record.