# NTSB BFO88LA023: Piper PA-28-180, N32019, Annapolis, MD, February 21, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1988, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Annapolis, MD
- Coordinates: 38.969326, -76.500679 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9693&lon=-76.5007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11397
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO88LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11397/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88LA023

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE DID A PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT WHICH INCLUDED A CHECK FOR WATER IN THE FUEL. TANKS WERE PARTIALLY FULL- 17 GALS IN EACH ONE. A PRE-TAKEOFF ENG RUNUP WAS NORMAL. DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB THE ENG HAD A PARTIAL POWER LOSS. AFTER HE WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM HE DITCHED THE ACFT IN A NEARBY CREEK. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE CARBURETOR LIQUID CONTENT WAS HALF FUEL AND HALF WATER. THE CARB WAS DRAINED AND THE ENG OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THREE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS RESULTED IN ABOUT ONE MINUTE OF OPERATION BEFORE IT STOPPED BY ITSELF. CHEMICAL TEST OF THE LIQUID CONTENT OF THE CARB DISCLOSED THAT 23 VOLUME PERCENT OF THE WATER WAS NOT CREEK WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32019](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N32019), registered now, S/N 28-7505017, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7505017
- Airframe hours: 3015
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth Blackburne
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1987, 23 hours before
- Destination: W29, STEVENSVILLE, MD
- Airport: ANP, Lee, runway 30, 2,400 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,243 total, 1,141 in this make and model, 1,123 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 12 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19880221003319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880221003319A), Feb 21, 1988: Piper PA28180, Annapolis, MD, Substantial damage. Partial power loss on climbout. Ditched in a creek. Found water in fuel.

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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