Homer, AK, USA
N8875C
Piper PA22
The pilot reported that, during the airplane’s initial climb, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and he performed a forced landing on a nearby beach. During the landing, the left wing struck the surface and the pilot lost control of the airplane, which sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that the flight was the first since the airplane had an annual inspection performed, which was about 2 months before the accident. He also reported that there were heavy rain showers at the airport during the previous month, and the airplane had issues with water intrusion in the left fuel tank. The fuel tank cap gaskets had recently been replaced. During the preflight inspection, he sumped all the drains and removed about 1/2 inch of water from the left-wing tank drain. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed anomalies in the airframe fuel system. Specifically, the examination noted the presence of corroded fuel tank filler necks, a degraded gasket on the right fuel tank filler neck, and a 3-inch circumferential separation of the left fuel filler neck base from the fuel tank. A fuel sample from the engine carburetor bowl contained a mixture of water and fuel. Engine valve train and drive shaft continuity was established, and no anomalies were observed in the engine cylinders, induction system, and ignition system. Based on the pilot’s statements, the corroded condition of the fuel filler necks, the left fuel tank separation, and the presence of water in the carburetor, it is likely that the total loss of engine power was due to fuel contamination from rainwater intrusion into the fuel system. The pilot either did not completely drain water from the fuel tanks during the preflight inspection or was unable to access trapped water in the fuel tanks.
On September 13, 2020, about 1632 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-22 airplane, N8875C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Homer, Alaska. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was conducting a local flight from the Homer Airport (HOM), Homer, Alaska. He said the flight was the airplane’s first since an annual inspection on July 21. While performing the preflight inspection, the pilot sumped each of the four low point fuel drains and removed about 1/2 inch of water from the left-wing tank drain. The other samples were clear. The wing tank fuel levels were about 3/4 full. He stated that after starting, he taxied a long distance to runway 22 with the fuel selector on the right tank, and then switched to the left tank for takeoff. After takeoff and during the initial climb from runway 22, about 200 ft, the engine experienced a total loss of power and the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot performed a forced landing to a beach on Kachemak Bay near the airport. During the landing, the left-wing tip struck the surface, which resulted in a loss of control. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that the airport had experienced heavy rainfall the previous month and that the wing fuel tank cap gaskets had recently been replaced due to wear and corrosion on the filler necks. The airplane had experienced water intrusion into the left tank. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the right-wing fuel tank cap was secure in place. The right tank filler neck exhibited corrosion on over 25% of the surface, and a badly deteriorated and crumbling black gasket was present around the filler neck. The left fuel cap was secure with a gasket in place, and the tank filler neck exhibited surface corrosion on about 40% of the surface with some metal deterioration around the neck. The base of the left-wing filler neck indicated a 3-inch separation from the fuel tank around the circumference and outward from the neck about 1 inch. The fuel selector valve was in the off position and moved smoothly through the left, right and off positions, and all detents were evident. The gascolator was located in an area of significant impact deformation. The gascolator bowl was separated from the cap and contained no liquid. The filter screen was clear of debris. The propeller rotated freely by hand, and crankshaft and camshaft continuity were confirmed. This ignition system was functionally tested with no anomalies noted. The piston heads, cylinder walls, and spark plugs indicated normal wear signatures. The carburetor was attached to the oil sump and exhibited fractures at the throttle valve housing. Engine control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to the carburetor and airbox. The carburetor was disassembled, and no mechanical anomalies were noted. A fuel sample from the carburetor bowl contained a mixture of brownish water and fuel. The inlet fuel screen was wet and clear of debris.
The total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion of the fuel tank filler necks, which resulted in water intrusion into the fuel tanks.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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