# NTSB ATL91LA038: Piper PA-23, N1361P, Bolivar, TN, January 14, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 14, 1991, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Bolivar, TN
- Coordinates: 35.260269, -88.989578 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2603&lon=-88.9896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 9, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8369
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8369/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA038

## Probable cause

THE INTERRUPTION OF FUEL TO THE LEFT ENGINE DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE LEFT FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN ENGINE STOPPAGE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - 1 engine
  - fuel system,tank - contamination (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE CFI AND DUAL STUDENT WERE ON INITIAL TAKEOFF AFTER THE STUDENT HAD SUCCESSFULLY HANDLED A SIMULATED RIGHT ENGINE FAILURE ON TAKEOFF ROLL. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE LEFT ENGINE QUIT.  THE CFI TOOK CONTROL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR TREES OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY.  THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TREES BEFORE IMPACTING THE GROUND.  AN INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED PRESENCE OF SOME SILICONE-TYPE MATERIAL IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK.  THIS MATERIAL STOPPED UP A HAND PUMP USED TO EMPTY THE FUEL TANK AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.  AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE LEFT ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RUN WITH AN ALTERNATE FUEL SYSTEM, AND NO ABNORMALITIES WERE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1361P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1361P-2012-10-11), registration cancelled 2012-10-11, S/N 23-410, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23) (registry code 7102302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23-410
- Airframe hours: 7263
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-C3B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Bolivar Aircraft Sales
- Registered owner: Bolivar Aircraft Sales
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 20, 1990, 46 hours before
- Airport: M08, Bolivar-Hardeman County, runway 18, 4,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,206 total, 188 in this make and model, 1,109 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKL, 24 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910114000519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910114000519A), Jan 14, 1991: Piper PA23, Bolivar, TN, Substantial damage. CFI failed right engine on takeoff gave it back when left engine quit. Failed to abort. Silicon strips in fuel.

## Other investigations on N1361P (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ATL90LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA034), Dec 3, 1989: Piper PA-23-150 (N1361P), Jackson, TN, substantial damage. Probable cause: LOSS OF POWER IN BOTH ENGINES (PROBABLE FUEL STARVATION) DUE TO IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT(S), AND LACK OF SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR. SOFT TERRAIN IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WAS…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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