# NTSB ERA10LA438: Piper PA-30, N8734Y, Douglas, GA, August 23, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 23, 2010, 13:20 local (17:20 UTC) - Place: Douglas, GA - Coordinates: 31.476667, -82.860557 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4767&lon=-82.8606&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report August 11, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Piper Aircraft Inc., Lycoming Engines - NTSB case key (mKey): 77051 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA10LA438 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/77051/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77051 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA438 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and inadequate maintenance of the fuel system. ## 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 condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Inspection: preflight inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) - [Maintenance: scheduled/routine maintenance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010/cases.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 320 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010/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-30, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520/cases.md?model=7103002), [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. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 225 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airplane had been parked outside and not flown for about 1 year, except for a test flight conducted about 1 month prior to the accident. During a preflight inspection, the pilot observed water in the airplane's main fuel tanks, and debris in the right wingtip fuel tank. A series of engine ground run-ups and maintenance was conducted prior to the pilot attempting a test-flight. The airplane subsequently experienced a rough running left engine during the takeoff and impacted trees. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed the presence of water and corrosion in the fuel distribution system. Water was observed in both of the main fuel tank strainers and the left engine fuel injector. In addition, fuel drained from the airplane by recovery personnel contained water and unidentified debris. An annual inspection was performed on the airplane about 6 weeks prior to the accident, and additional maintenance was performed, which included flushing the fuel tanks and cleaning the fuel lines to each respective flow divider after the left engine "missed" during the test flight conducted about 1 month prior. The pilot had only accumulated about 22 hours of multiengine flight experience and lacked experience in the make and model of the accident airplane. ## Factual narrative On August 23, 2010, about 1320 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-30, N8734Y, owned and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain, during takeoff from Douglas Municipal Airport (DQH), Douglas, Georgia. The certificated airline transport pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the owner, the airplane had been parked outside at DQH, and not flown for about 1 year. On July 7, 2010, an annual inspection was performed on the airplane, however, during a subsequent test-flight on July 25, the left engine "missed" and additional maintenance was performed, which included "flushing the fuel tanks and cleaning the fuel lines to each respective flow divider." On the date of the accident, the pilot intended to fly the airplane to Florida, where the owner planned to sell it. According to the pilot, during the preflight inspection, he observed water in the airplane's main fuel tanks, and debris in the right wingtip fuel tank. During two subsequent ground-runs, both engines had periods of rough running operation and unidentifiable debris was observed in the fuel injectors. A third ground-run was conducted without any anomalies noted, and the pilot intended to conduct a test-flight in the airport traffic pattern. After normal preflight checks, the pilot attempted to depart from runway 22, a 6,000-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, asphalt runway. During the takeoff roll, the right engine rpm exceeded redline on a digital rpm gauge. The pilot adjusted the engine power and continued with the takeoff. The airplane lifted off the runway and was accelerating in ground effect, when the left engine began to run rough. The pilot believed that there was insufficient runway remaining to land and stop on the runway. He attempted to climb; however, the airplane began to settle and slowly yaw to the left. The airplane subsequently impacted trees, and came to rest about a 1/4-mile southwest of the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and empennage. The airplane was equipped with two Lycoming IO-360-C1C series engines. The position of the wreckage precluded examination at the accident site. Subsequent examination of the wreckage conducted by representatives of the airframe and engine manufacturers, under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the presence of water and corrosion in the fuel distribution system. Water was observed in both of the main fuel tank strainers and the left engine fuel injector. In addition, fuel that was drained from the airplane by recovery personnel contained water and unidentified debris. No additional anomalies were noted, which would have prevented normal engine operation. According to fuel records, the airplane was "topped-off" with 30 gallons of100-low-lead aviation gasoline on the morning of the accident. Three airplanes were refueled on the day prior to the accident, and one airplane was refueled after the accident airplane. The airport manager reported that he specifically contacted the owners and/or pilots of those airplanes, and they reported that they did not experience any fuel related problems. The pilot reported 3,465 hours of total flight experience, which included 3,297 hours in rotorcraft, 141 hours in single-engine airplanes, and 22 hours in multiengine airplanes. The pilot had no previous experience in the same make and model as the accident airplane beyond the test flight that was performed in July, and the accident flight. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8734Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8734Y-2018-01-17), registration cancelled 2018-01-17, S/N 30-1888, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-30 - Registry model: [Piper PA-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-30) (registry code 7103002) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 30-1888 - Airframe hours: 6936 - Engines: reciprocating; Lycoming IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Thomas B Newman - Registered owner: Thomas B Newman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 2010, 1 hours before - Departed: DQH, Douglas, GA - Destination: DQH, Douglas, GA - Airport: DQH, Douglas Municipal, runway 22, 6,000 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; injuries: serious; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 19, 2010; seat: left; flight hours: 3,465 total, 1 in this make and model, 3,304 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 80° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,100 ft broken - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg - Observed at: DQH ## 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 20100823048099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100823048099A), Aug 23, 2010: Piper PA-30, Douglas, GA, Destroyed. Pilot arrived at the airport approx. 6 hours prior to the accident, where he spent most of the time running the engine up, checking the performance. The engine… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 14, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77051. 2.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Provided by Pilot) (item 1, .PDF, 454 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349184&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(Provided%20by%20Pilot)-Redacted.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Provided by Owner) (item 2, .PDF, 363 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349185&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(Provided%20by%20Owner)-Redacted.PDF - Interviews and Personnel Statements (item 3, .PDF, 81 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349219&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Interviews%20and%20Personnel%20Statements-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records (excerpts) (item 4, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349187&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20(excerpts)-Redacted.PDF - Refueling Records (item 5, .PDF, 118 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349188&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Refueling%20Records-Redacted.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 6, .PDF, 263 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349189&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Photograph # 1 – View of airplane at recovery facility (Taken by Lycoming representative) (item 7, .PDF, 268 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349199&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%201%20%E2%80%93%20View%20of%20airplane%20at%20recovery%20facility%20(Taken%20by%20Lycoming%20representative)-Master.PDF - Photograph # 2 – View of left engine at recovery facility (Taken by Lycoming representative) (item 8, .PDF, 258 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349204&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%202%20%E2%80%93%20View%20of%20left%20engine%20at%20recovery%20facility%20(Taken%20by%20Lycoming%20representative)-Master.PDF - Photograph # 3 – View of right engine at recovery facility (Taken by Piper representative) (item 9, .PDF, 630 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349208&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%203%20%E2%80%93%20View%20of%20right%20engine%20at%20recovery%20facility%20(Taken%20by%20Piper%20representative)-Master.PDF - Photograph # 4 – Fuel sample drained from accident airplane by recovery personnel prior to recovery viewed in a plastic 5 gallon bucket (Courtesy of Insurance Company Representative) (item 10, .PDF, 31 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349212&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%204%20%E2%80%93%20Fuel%20sample%20drained%20from%20accident%20airplane%20by%20recovery%20personnel%20prior%20to%20recovery%20viewed%20in%20a%20plastic%205%20gallon%20bucket%20(Courtesy%20of%20Insurance%20Company%20Representative)-Master.PDF - Photograph # 5 – Fuel sample drained from accident airplane by recovery personnel prior to recovery as viewed in a mason jar. (Courtesy of Insurance Company Representative) (item 11, .PDF, 45 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349213&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%205%20%E2%80%93%20Fuel%20sample%20drained%20from%20accident%20airplane%20by%20recovery%20personnel%20prior%20to%20recovery%20as%20viewed%20in%20a%20mason%20jar.%20(Courtesy%20of%20Insurance%20Company%20Representative)-Master.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.