Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-125 near Mapleton, MN — 2013-07-16

Final reportCEN13LA417
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Date
2013-07-16
Location
Mapleton, MN, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-125
Registration
N663A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel, which resulted in the pilot's forced landing to unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said the airplane's engine started "sputtering" then lost total power. He made a forced landing in a corn field, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that he performed a thorough preflight inspection of the airplane, during which he drained fuel from all three fuel sumps, and he found no evidence of water or sediment contamination. However, postaccident examination of fuel samples taken from both the left and right wing fuel tanks and from the gascolator fuel line revealed a substantial amount of water. The investigation revealed that the airplane had been parked outside and there had been recent heavy rains in the area.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have added fuel before departure to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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