Cessna 305 N8WP

Summary

On 15 August 1998 at about 15:30 local time, a Cessna 305 registered N8WP, operated by Ronald Krolick, was involved in an accident near Lantana, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 August 1998 at 15:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Lantana, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Palm Beach County Airpark (LNA)

Coordinates

26.5795, -80.0708

Aircraft

Cessna 305

Registration

N8WP

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Ronald Krolick

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL98LA113

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel system that resulted in the loss of engine power due to water contamination. A factor was the rough terrain on the departure end of the runway.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot completed an extensive preflight inspection of the airplane that included draining both fuel sumps; there was no sediment or water found in the fuel. After the preflight inspection, the pilot taxied the airplane to the run-up area adjacent to runway 15. The pilot reported that the 'pre-departure run-up' was normal, and that the power application for the takeoff was also normal. As the airplane climbed through 400 feet, the pilot recalled that the engine hesitated and lost power. As the pilot attempted to restore full engine power, by adjusting the throttle, the engine backfired. The pilot elected to attempt a forced landing on the remaining runway. The airplane touched on the runway, and rolled off the departure end of runway 15 into a grassy area. The pilot reported that the airplane nosed over as it stopped in the rough grassy area. During the subsequent examination of the airplane, both fuel tanks were drained of remaining fuel. During this phase of the recovery and examination, several ounces of water were also recovered from the left fuel tank. Examination of the airframe and sub-systems failed to disclose a mechanical problem.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.