PIPER PA-30 near Douglas, GA — 2010-08-23

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and inadequate maintenance of the fuel system.

NTSB narrative

The airplane had been parked outside and not flown for about 1 year, except for a test flight conducted about 1 month prior to the accident. During a preflight inspection, the pilot observed water in the airplane's main fuel tanks, and debris in the right wingtip fuel tank. A series of engine ground run-ups and maintenance was conducted prior to the pilot attempting a test-flight. The airplane subsequently experienced a rough running left engine during the takeoff and impacted trees. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed the presence of water and corrosion in the fuel distribution system. Water was observed in both of the main fuel tank strainers and the left engine fuel injector. In addition, fuel drained from the airplane by recovery personnel contained water and unidentified debris. An annual inspection was performed on the airplane about 6 weeks prior to the accident, and additional maintenance was performed, which included flushing the fuel tanks and cleaning the fuel lines to each respective flow divider after the left engine "missed" during the test flight conducted about 1 month prior. The pilot had only accumulated about 22 hours of multiengine flight experience and lacked experience in the make and model of the accident airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Fuel management

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to rough engine performance and fuel contamination.

NTSB coding

• Fuel contamination · Initial climb
• Maintenance
• Preflight Inspection

Evidence available

• Photos
• 11 docket documents

Docket documents11

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Provided by Owner)form
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Provided by Pilot)form
• Interviews and Personnel Statementsinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Maintenance Records (excerpts)other
• Refueling Recordsother
• Photograph # 1 – View of airplane at recovery facility (Taken by Lycoming representative)photos
• Photograph # 2 – View of left engine at recovery facility (Taken by Lycoming representative)photos
• Photograph # 3 – View of right engine at recovery facility (Taken by Piper representative)photos
• Photograph # 4 – Fuel sample drained from accident airplane by recovery personnel prior to recovery viewed in a plastic 5 gallon bucket (Courtesy of Insurance Company Representative)photos
• Photograph # 5 – Fuel sample drained from accident airplane by recovery personnel prior to recovery as viewed in a mason jar. (Courtesy of Insurance Company Representative)photos

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