Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-30 near Amarillo, TX — 2010-02-17

Final reportCEN10FA122
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Date
2010-02-17
Location
Amarillo, TX, USA
Airport
TDW
Aircraft
PIPER PA-30
Registration
N8501Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to detect water contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the worn and loose fuel caps, which allowed water to enter the fuel tanks.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the worn and loose fuel caps, which allowed water to enter the fuel tanks.

NTSB narrative

The airplane had just departed when, about one minute after takeoff, it made a turn as if to return to the airport at about 900 feet above ground level. A witness observed the airplane flying low before it impacted a warehouse building. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed water in the fuel recovered from both the left and right engine fuel systems. Both auxiliary fuel tank caps could be removed without releasing the expansion tab and the left main fuel tank cap could be removed without unscrewing the release mechanism, indicative that the caps were loose and worn. The airplane had been exposed to accumulating snow the week prior to the accident. An examination of the airplane's remaining systems revealed no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have drained and examined fuel for contamination before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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