Cessna 152 N757PY accident near San Bernardino, California

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate preflight inspection.

NTSB analysis

During the preflight inspection, water was found in a fuel sample taken from the gascolator. Three subsequent samples were taken from the gascolator, which revealed no water. Fuel samples taken from each of the wing tanks revealed no water contamination. The pilot departed on a cross-country flight when, about 10 to 15 minutes after takeoff, the engine lost partial power and the pilot diverted to a nearby airport; he could not recall anything after that.

The airplane came to rest about 1 nautical mile southwest of the diversion airport and sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed water in the right fuel tank, gascolator, the carburetor inlet hose, and the carburetor bowl. A maintenance logbook entry made about 8 days before the accident revealed that contaminated fuel had been found in the fuel system. After the fuel had been drained and the airplane refueled, the engine was started and ran normally.

Based on the available information, the engine lost total power due to fuel contamination, which resulted in a forced landing and substantial damage to the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA055 for the full record.