# NTSB ERA23LA097: Piper PA24, N9026P, Athens, GA, December 29, 2022 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: December 29, 2022, 13:29 local (18:29 UTC) - Place: Athens, GA · 2220 Shoal Creek Drive - Coordinates: 33.95749, -83.3181 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9575&lon=-83.3181&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-climb to cruise: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Piper Aircraft, Lycoming - NTSB case key (mKey): 106513 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23LA097 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/106513/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106513 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA097 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to detect water in the fuel during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power. ## 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-24-260, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=7102406), [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-24-260, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-climb to cruise: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 225 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot completed a preflight inspection, including sampling the fuel to check for water contamination, then departed with a passenger for a flight after maintenance was completed on the airplane. The pilot reported that a few minutes into the flight, after leveling off at 3,000 ft mean sea level, the engine seemed to power down, as if the power went to idle. The pilot established best glide airspeed and attempted to restore engine power; however, he was unable to restore power, so he declared an emergency and turned back toward the airport. Unable to make the airport, the pilot performed a forced landing into trees, substantially damaging the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the electrical fuel pump would not operate. Disassembly of the pump revealed rust at and around the shaft bearing, indicative of water having been in the airplane’s fuel system. Examination of the engine revealed that the left magneto ground strap was not connected to the magneto and its hardware was not located. Also, debris was observed in the fuel servo filter and water was observed in the fuel samples and gascolator bowl. Based on the condition of the fuel and fuel-related components, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to contamination of the fuel supply with water. It is unlikely that the loss of one magneto due to a disconnected ground strap resulted in a noticeable loss of power since the airplane had a second, functioning magneto. ## Factual narrative On December 29, 2022, about 1329 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-260, N9026P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Athens, Georgia. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was operated for about 30 minutes with a prolonged run-up after the replacement of a magneto, and a short test flight was performed to ensure there were no issues with the airplane. The pilot reported that he sampled fuel from the fuel tanks and found no water during the preflight inspection, and then he and his passenger departed Athens/Ben Epps Airport (AHN), Athens, Georgia, with 36 gallons of fuel around 1322 on an instrument flight rules flight plan. Shortly after leveling off at 3,000 ft mean sea level, the pilot adjusted the engine power settings and disengaged the electrical fuel pump. Soon after, the engine “seemed to power down, like the engine went to idle.” The pilot established best glide speed, turned on the fuel pump, changed fuel tanks, and performed a check of the mixture, ignition, and master switch but was unable to restore engine power. He declared an emergency and turned back toward AHN. Less than a mile from the runway, the pilot realized that the airplane was not going to reach the airport and prepared to land in a field just past some trees; however, the airplane pitched up and stalled over the trees, then descended through the trees to the ground. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest inverted in the trees. The wings, fuselage and empennage were substantially damaged. There was no evidence of fire. Fuel was leaking from the right wing at the accident site, and fuel was drained from the left wing when the airplane was recovered. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed continuity of the crankshaft to the rear accessory gears and to the valvetrain. Suction and compression were achieved on all six cylinders, and the interiors of the cylinders were observed using a lighted borescope with no anomalies noted. The engine examination revealed that the left magneto ground strap was not connected to the magneto and its hardware was not located, debris was observed in the fuel servo filter, and water was observed in the fuel samples as well as the gascolator bowl. Examination of the airframe revealed that the electrical fuel pump would not operate during a field test by applying DC power, nor would it rotate by hand. The pump was disassembled and rust was observed at and around the shaft bearing. Data was extracted from an engine data monitor that was recovered from the airplane. The panel-mounted device displayed critical engine data including, but not limited to, engine rpm, manifold pressure, oil pressure and temperature, fuel flow, and cylinder head and exhaust gas temperature. The device was configuredto record data once every 6 seconds. The data revealed a loss in fuel pressure followed by a loss of engine rpm about two minutes after takeoff. Review of maintenance records revealed that the right magneto was removed on the day of the accident and a new one installed. FAA Advisory Circular 20-125, “Water in Aviation Fuels,” stated that “an important part of the preflight inspection is to drain aircraft fuel tanks sumps, reservoirs, gascolators, filters and other fuel system drains to assure that the fuel supply is free of water.” The advisory circular also stated the following: Aircraft fuel tanks are constructed with sumps to trap water. Since it is practically impossible to drain all water from the tanks through the fuel lines, the fuel tank sumps should be regularly drained in order to remove all water from the system. It may be necessary to gently rock the wings of some aircraft while draining the sumps in order to completely drain all the water. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9026P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9026P-2025-10-25), registration cancelled 2025-10-25, S/N 24-4488, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA24 (260) - Registry model: [Piper PA-24-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-260) (registry code 7102406) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 24-4488 - Year built: 1966 - Airframe hours: 5768.2 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 3, 2022, 826 hours before - Departed: AHN, Athens, GA - Destination: DNN, Dalton, GA - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: AHN, Athens/Ben Epps Airport, runway 9, 6,122 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Handheld GPS, Onboard weather, Stall warning system, ADS-B, Auto-pilot, Electronic flight bag or handheld device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 9, 2021; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 1,725 total, 1,290 in this make and model, 1,725 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.32 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: KAHN, 1 nm away - METAR: METAR KAHN 291851Z 00000KT 10SM CLR 17/03 A3032 RMK AO2 SLP269 T01720028= ## 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 20221229023099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20221229023099A), Dec 29, 2022: Piper PA-24-260, Athens, GA, Destroyed. On 12/29/2022 @1322, N9026P, a Piper PA-24-260 departed Athens, Georgia (ahn) in route to dalton, Georgia (dhn). Aircraft departed rwy 9 northbound on a 360… ## Other investigations on N9026P (2) 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 SEA74DYE22](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA74DYE22), Oct 18, 1973: Piper PA-24 (N9026P), Renton, WA, substantial damage - [NTSB ANC68D0036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC68D0036), Jul 20, 1967: Piper PA-24 (N9026P), Palmer, AK, substantial damage ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 2, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106513. 12.6 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15426787&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA097%206120_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot statements (item 2, PDF, 4 pages, 243 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15426461&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Record of conversation aircraft owner (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 98 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15427196&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA097%20ROC%20CFI%20and%20Owner_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Record of conversation mechanic (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 100 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15426471&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA097%20Mechanic_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Engine logbook excerpts (item 5, PDF, 5 pages, 4.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15428015&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Engine%20Logbook%20Excerpts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigative photographs (item 6, PDF, 3 pages, 333 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15427086&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA097%20Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� wreckage examination (item 7, PDF, 18 pages, 3.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15427935&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA097%20Examination%20Report-Rel.pdf - Engine data monitor - specialist's factual report (item 8, PDF, 9 pages, 4 photos, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15536511&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA097%20-%20JPI%20-%20FINAL%20-%20UPLOAD-Rel.pdf - Engine data monitor - attachment 1 (csv - accident flight) (item 9, CSV, 32 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15539090&FileExtension=csv&FileName=ERA23LA097%20-%20EDM%20-%20Attachment%201-Rel.csv - Engine data monitor - attachment 2 (csv - previous flight) (item 10, CSV, 109 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15539100&FileExtension=csv&FileName=ERA23LA097-%20EDM%20-%20Attachment%202-Rel.csv - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 11, PDF, 2 pages, 358 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15659864&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Signed%20Wreckage%20Release%20Package_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.