Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Hollywood, FL — 2016-06-25

Final reportERA16LA230
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Date
2016-06-25
Location
Hollywood, FL, USA
Airport
HWO
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N9836W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to water contamination.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, during an extended absence, a family member checked on his airplane and found that the right wing fuel cap was missing. The pilot ordered a new fuel cap, and it was installed on the airplane. After the pilot's return, about 1 week before the accident, he added fuel to the right tank and then drained it; he repeated the process several times and then performed an extended engine run-up and taxi check; he did not fly the airplane that day. On the day of the accident, he sampled both fuel tanks, performed a prolonged engine run-up, and taxied for about 30 to 45 minutes before departing on the accident flight. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost all power. The pilot conducted a forced landing, and the airplane impacted terrain 1,000 ft from the departure end of the runway. Postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed the presence of water at the firewall-mounted fuel strainer. Although the pilot reported that he performed a thorough preflight inspection, it is likely that water remained in the fuel system, which resulted in the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured fuel quality before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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