# NTSB CEN24LA268: Piper PA-28-181, N1941V, Arcola, TX, July 16, 2024 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: July 16, 2024, 17:47 local (22:47 UTC) - Place: Arcola, TX · runway apron - Coordinates: 29.506139, -95.476917 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5061&lon=-95.4769&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Lycoming Engines, Piper Aircraft, FAA Flight Standards - NTSB case key (mKey): 194709 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN24LA268 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194709/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194709 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA268 ## Probable cause Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl following an annual inspection. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-181, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=7102807), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel filter-strainer](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-181, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821/cases.md?model=7102807), [All aircraft, 52 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821/cases.md) - [Inspection: scheduled/routine inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-181, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520/cases.md?model=7102807), [All aircraft, 167 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-181, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=7102807), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-181, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=7102807), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-181, 23 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102807), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that the accident occurred during the first flight after an annual inspection. A detailed preflight inspection and extended before-takeoff engine run-up were normal. The takeoff and initial climb were as expected until about 300 ft above ground level when the engine abruptly lost power. The pilot’s attempt to land on the remaining runway was not successful. The airplane touched down hard and overran the runway. Postaccident examination revealed that the gascolator strainer bowl was partially separated from the gascolator housing. The inboard hook of the gascolator bail (retaining wire) was engaged in the firewall bracket but did not continue into the upper portion of the gascolator housing, and the retaining nut at the bottom of the bail was loose. No safety wire was present on the retaining nut or the bail. Additionally, a clear streak about 6 inches long was present on the bottom of the fuselage running aft from the firewall below the gascolator assembly. No other mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted. The airframe manufacturer had issued a service letter recommending recurring inspection of the gascolator assembly every 90 days or 50 hours time in service. The service letter also specified safety wire for the bail (retaining wire) and for the strainer bowl retaining nut. The mechanics acknowledged that safety wire was not reinstalled on the gascolator after the annual inspection. It is likely that the gascolator strainer bowl dislocated during takeoff because it was not fully secured following the annual inspection. The resulting fuel leak subsequently interrupted fuel flow to the engine and caused a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. ## Factual narrative On July 16, 2024, about 1747 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 airplane, N1941V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arcola, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the accident occurred during the first flight after an annual inspection, and that it had been about three months since the airplane had been flown. He noted that the airplane was fully fueled before the flight. A detailed preflight inspection and extended before-takeoff run-up were normal. The takeoff and initial climb were as expected until about 300 ft above ground level when the engine abruptly lost power. The pilot’s attempt to land on the remaining runway was not successful. The airplane touched down hard and subsequently overran the runway. The airplane came to rest off the departure end of the runway. The left wing was partially separated from the fuselage at the root. The left side of the fuselage and the engine cowling were damaged. Postaccident airframe examination revealed that the gascolator strainer bowl was partially separated from the gascolator housing. The inboard hook of the gascolator bail (retaining wire) was engaged in the firewall bracket but did not continue into the upper portion of the gascolator housing, and the retaining nut at the bottom of the bail was loose with about six threads visible on the threaded shaft. No safety wire was present on the retaining nut or the bail. Additionally, a clear streak about 6 inches long was present on the bottom of the fuselage running aft from the firewall below the gascolator assembly. No other airframe anomalies were observed. A postrecovery engine examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. The airframe manufacturer had issued service letter No. 1141, dated April 27, 2011, recommending recurring inspection of the gascolator assembly every 90 days or 50 hours time in service. The service letter also specified safety wire for the bail (retaining wire) and for the strainer bowl retaining nut. The mechanics acknowledged that safety wire was not reinstalled on the gascolator after the annual inspection. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1941V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1941V), registered now, S/N 28-8490056, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (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: 28-8490056 - Year built: 1984 - Airframe hours: 3467.3 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 16, 2024, 0.2 hours before - Departed: AXH, Arcola, TX - Destination: LBX, Angleton, TX - Airport: AXH, Houston Southwest, runway 27, 5,002 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system, ADS-B, Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 70; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: basicmed, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 16, 2022; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,116 total, 858 in this make and model, 975 as pilot in command, 0 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 12 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 79 °F - Altimeter: 29.91 inHg - Observed at: SGR, 12 nm away - METAR: METAR KSGR 162253Z 17012G18KT 10SM FEW041 34/26 A2991 ## 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 20240716013709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240716013709A), Jul 16, 2024: Piper PA-28-181, Arcola, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot reported loss of power and engine failure at 200 feet during takeoff. Pilot choose to try and make the remaining runway and land back. This resulted in a… ## Docket (10 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 26, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194709. 86.7 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 19.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17435874&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Report%20--%20CEN24LA268_redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigation photographs (item 2, PDF, 9 pages, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18183462&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigation%20Photos%20--%20CEN24LA268-Rel.pdf - Examination summary (item 3, PDF, 5 pages, 168 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18183452&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Examination%20Summary%20--%20CEN24LA268-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records -- airframe (item 4, PDF, 4 pages, 8.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17440816&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20--%20Airframe_redacted-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records -- engine (item 5, PDF, 3 pages, 51.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17440197&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20--%20Engine_redacted-Rel.pdf - Conversation summary -- FAA inspector (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 68 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18182915&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ROC%20--%20FAA(Powell)_02Jan2025-Rel.pdf - Mechanic statements (item 7, PDF, 2 pages, 143 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18194373&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Mechanic%20Statements_redacted-Rel.pdf - Piper aircraft -- service letter no. 1141 / gascolator maintenance procedures (item 8, PDF, 5 pages, 141 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18173696&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Piper%20Service%20Letter-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 9, PDF, 2 pages, 160 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18164097&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Forms%20--%20CEN24LA268_redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18191676&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Release%20--%20CEN24LA268_redacted-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.