Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA30 near Harrison, AR — 2014-07-02

Final reportCEN14FA337
Sign in to save
Date
2014-07-02
Location
Harrison, AR, USA
Airport
HRO
Aircraft
PIPER PA30
Registration
N7762Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during initial climb because he failed to correctly compensate for the loss of power in the left engine. Contributing to the accident was water contamination in the fuel and the lack of an adequate preflight inspection by the pilot.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was water contamination in the fuel and the lack of an adequate preflight inspection by the pilot.

NTSB narrative

An airport security camera captured the pilot getting into the airplane, starting the engines, and taxiing for takeoff. No preflight inspection was recorded. About 2 minutes later, the camera and witnesses saw the airplane take off and immediately enter a gradual left turn about 400 feet above the ground. The bank angle increased to about 90 degrees before the airplane's right wing dropped, and the airplane disappeared from view. Examination of the left engine revealed water in the fuel flow divider, fuel injectors, engine-driven fuel pump, and selector valve fuel bowl. A sample taken from the fuel truck was tested and contained no water or contaminants. It is likely that, due to water in the fuel, the left engine lost power, which resulted in the airplane turning to the left. The pilot did not quickly and appropriately configure the airplane for one-engine flight, which resulted in a loss of control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured fuel was free of water before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents27

Related mishaps