# NTSB ERA24LA248: Piper PA-25-235, N8715L, Colquitt, GA, June 5, 2024 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: June 5, 2024, 06:30 local (10:30 UTC) - Place: Colquitt, GA · Swamp - Coordinates: 31.092005, -84.754177 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.0920&lon=-84.7542&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: 1 minor - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Lycoming Engines, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 194405 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA24LA248 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194405/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194405 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA248 ## Probable cause The failure of the fuel shutoff valve from corrosion, which allowed the valve stem to obstruct the internal fuel port, resulting in a restriction of fuel flow to the engine. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fuel system: fuel selector/shutoff valve](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Fatigue/wear/corrosion (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823/cases.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 176 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823/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-25-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=7102504), [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-25-235, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=7102504), [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-25-235, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that preflight and ground operations were routine. Shortly after takeoff, the engine started “missing” as the airplane climbed to about 200-300 ft mean sea level. The engine speed then dropped about 50 rpm and the pilot confirmed the engine controls were fully forward before the engine lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing into a wooded swamp area. Substantial damage was confirmed to both wings and the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of a preexisting malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. An examination of the fuel shutoff valve from the fuel tank to the gascolator revealed that, when the valve was manipulated manually, the through-port was not totally obstructed when placed to the “closed” position. The valve arm moved back and forth with minimal resistance. The valve was then disassembled and the connection to the interior plastic gate was broken and the gate did not move when the valve stem was actuated. Further examination revealed that the two rivets that joined the stem flange to the adjacent internal component of the valve were fractured. The lower rivet failed from intergranular corrosion. The upper river showed signs of overstress in bending and shear. Once the failure occurred, the valve stem was free to move without manual input, obstructing the port and compromising fuel flow to the engine. ## Factual narrative On June 5, 2024, about 0630 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N8715L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Colquitt, Georgia. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The flight originated from a private airstrip. The pilot reported that preflight operations were normal. He reported the engine contained 10 quarts of oil and there was no water found in the fuel samples. The engine run-up and takeoff were normal; however, the engine started “missing” as the airplane climbed to about 200-300 ft mean sea level. The engine speed dropped about 50 rpm. The pilot confirmed the engine controls were fully forward and the engine then lost all power. He then made a forced landing into a wooded swamp area. The airplane came to rest upright in shallow water. The pilot exited the airplane and was met by first responders. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The wreckage was recovered to a salvage facility where an examination of the wreckage was performed. The engine remained partially attached to the firewall through the tubular engine mount. The firewall was cut away and the engine was placed on a hoist. The engine crankshaft was rotated by turning the propeller and continuity of the crankshaft to the rear gears and valvetrain was confirmed. Compression and suction were observed on all six cylinders. The interiors of the cylinders were examined with a lighted borescope and no anomalies were noted. The carburetor was partially disassembled and about two ounces of liquid was found in the bowl. The liquid tested positive for the presence of water with water-finding paste. The carburetor floats and other internal components were undamaged. The magnetos were removed from the engine; both produced spark on all towers when rotated with an electric drill. The airplane’s fuel system was then examined. The airplane was fitted with a single, fuselage-mounted fuel tank. The fuel filler cap was secure and in place. No signs of fuel leakage were observed. The tank vent was unobstructed. The gascolator bowl and screen were removed. Residue on the screen and in the bowl resembled sand, grit, unknown organic matter, and water. Of note, the lower fuselage in the area of the gascolator was found submerged in swamp water at the accident site. The fuel shutoff valve from the fuel tank to the gascolator was removed. The position of the valve before the accident could not be determined due to impact damage and deformation to the forward fuselage and engine mount. When the valve was manipulated manually, the through-port was not totally obstructed when placed to the “closed” position. The valve arm moved back and forth with minimal resistance. The valve was then disassembled and the connection to the interior plastic gate was broken and the gate did not move when the valve stemwas actuated. The valve was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for further examination. The examination revealed that the valve failed from the two fractured rivets that joined the stem flange to the adjacent internal component of the valve. The lower rivet failed from intergranular corrosion attack. The upper rivet showed signs of overstress in bending and shear. Once the failure occurred, the valve stem could move without manual input, obstructing the port and compromising fuel flow to the engine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8715L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8715L), registered now, S/N 25-5168, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235 - Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 25-5168 - Year built: 1969 - Airframe hours: 12656 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-G1A5 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, April 25, 2024, 75 hours before - Airport: Private - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 16, 2023; seat: single; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 654 total, 146 in this make and model, 590 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 4 knots - Visibility: 2 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 29.88 inHg - Observed at: BGE, 9 nm away - METAR: KBGE 051035Z AUTO 13004KT 2SM BR CLR 21/21 A2988 RMK AO2 T02130210 ## 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 20240605017399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240605017399A), Jun 5, 2024: Piper PA-25-235, Colquitt, GA, Destroyed. June 05, 2023, at approximately 0615 local time aircraft [privacy data omitted]he , Piper PA-25 crop duster departed off private field. At approximately 400… ## Other investigations on N8715L (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 ATL83LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA360), Sep 5, 1983: Piper PA-25-235 (N8715L), Pinehurst, GA, substantial damage ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 2, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194405. 22.3 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17963334&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=1%206120_Redacted-Rel.pdf - NTSB wreckage examination (item 2, PDF, 7 pages, 369 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17963753&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=2%20NTSB%20Wreckage%20Examination-Rel.pdf - Excerpts - aircraft logbook (item 3, PDF, 6 pages, 3.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17963618&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=3%20Excerpts%20-%20Aircraft%20Logbook_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpts - engine logbook (item 4, PDF, 3 pages, 993 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17963628&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=4%20Excerpts%20-%20Engine%20Logbook_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigation photographs (item 5, PDF, 9 pages, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17964008&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=5%20Investigation%20Photographs-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 6, PDF, 16 pages, 807 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17963380&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6%20Party%20Form%20Lycoming_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Materials laboratory factual report (item 7, PDF, 20 pages, 22 photos, 11.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18183201&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=24-088%20-%20Materials%20Lab%20Factual%20Report%20(ERA24LA248)-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 8, PDF, 1 page, 404 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18200106&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=7%20Release%20N8715L_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Evidence control form (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 598 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18199520&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=8%20Evidence%20Control%20N8715L_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.