Pilot Debrief

BEECH B24R near New Lenox, IL — 2021-05-13

Final reportCEN21LA219
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Date
2021-05-13
Location
New Lenox, IL, USA
Airport
LOT
Aircraft
BEECH B24R
Registration
N9199S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination as a result of the pilot’s improper fueling of the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot fueled the airplane using containers kept in the flying club hangar. Unknown to the pilot, one of the containers contained water, which he added to the left fuel tank. He noted that no water was observed when the fuel tanks were sumped as part of the preflight inspection; although, there was likely insufficient time for the water to settle out. The engine run-up, takeoff, and initial climb were conducted with the right fuel tank selected and were routine. However, when the pilot changed to the left fuel tank during the climb, the engine lost power. He executed a forced landing to an interstate highway. About 2-1/2 gallons of water were drained from the left fuel tank following the accident. No water was detected in the right fuel tank. No anomalies with respect to the engine assembly or the airframe fuel system were observed. An individual associated with the flying club reported that he was cleaning an airplane in the hangar the day before the accident. He had used a fuel container to get water and marked it, “water for cleaning.” At the end of the day, he left the container next to the airplane with the intention of continuing the next day. There were 2 to 3 gallons of water in the container at the time.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel for contamination before switching tanks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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