Pilot Debrief

DE HAVILLAND DHC-1 near Port Orchard, WA — 2010-06-24

Final reportWPR10LA313
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Date
2010-06-24
Location
Port Orchard, WA, USA
Airport
WN13
Aircraft
DE HAVILLAND DHC-1
Registration
N6540C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he performed several engine runs prior to departure as the airplane had not flown in approximately 15 months. After departure, and about 400 to 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power without warning. The pilot initiated a forced landing through tall trees to a heavily vegetated field. The airplane's engine separated from its mount and the empennage was bent approximately 30 degrees to the left. Both wings and the fuselage were bent and wrinkled. The airplane's maintenance records indicated that a conditional inspection had been signed off just before the accident flight. A postaccident examination of the airplane was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a mechanic. During the inspection, a mixture of fuel and water was found in an unsumpable gascolator located on the firewall. The owner of the airplane reported that the airplane had been parked outside for several days prior to the accident flight, and during this time it rained heavily in the area.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Properly inspect fuel system for contamination before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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