Pilot Debrief

Piper PA-28-235 near Spring, TX — 2008-02-10

Final reportDFW08LA068
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Date
2008-02-10
Location
Spring, TX, USA
Airport
DWH
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Registration
N9047W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Failure of the pilot to ensure that the fuel system was purged of water prior to flight. Contributing to the severity of injuries was the lack of shoulder restraints.

NTSB narrative

While on climb out from the airport, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. A restart was not successful, and the pilot crashed into an open field. An examination of the airframe and engine determined that water had been allowed to enter and settle in the fuel system for an extended period of time. This resulted in the build up of rust in the fuel selector sump, the fuel selector screen, and the carburetor bowl. The fuel selector sump contained fuel, which through the use of water detection paste, was confirmed to be contaminated with water. Fuel system containation resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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