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NTSB Report
June 28, 1992 · Madsen RANS S-12 · N43364
Saluda, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Saluda, VA
Aircraft
Madsen RANS S-12
Tail Number
N43364
Operator
Ronald F Madsen
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO92LA089
THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE CIRCLING TO PHOTOGRAPH A LIGHTHOUSE, WHILE OVERWATER AT 100 FEET AGL, WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT DITCHED THE AIRPLANE IN WATER, WHERE THE OCCUPANTS WERE RESCUED BY PERSONNEL ON A NEARBY BOAT. THE AIRCRAFT REMAINED AFLOAT UNTIL IT WAS RECOVERED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATED FUEL IN THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL TANKS. SEVEN GALLONS OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE TANKS, WHICH INCLUDED ABOUT 20 OUNCES OF WATER. THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP DID NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WATER, WHILE THE AIRPLANE WAS AFLOAT.
NTSB Probable Cause
WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE FUEL, AND AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE CIRCLING TO PHOTOGRAPH A LIGHTHOUSE, WHILE OVERWATER AT 100 FEET AGL, WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT DITCHED THE AIRPLANE IN WATER, WHERE THE OCCUPANTS WERE RESCUED BY PERSONNEL ON A NEARBY BOAT. THE AIRCRAFT REMAINED AFLOAT UNTIL IT WAS RECOVERED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED WATER CONTAMINATED FUEL IN THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL TANKS. SEVEN GALLONS OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE TANKS, WHICH INCLUDED ABOUT 20 OUNCES OF WATER. THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP DID NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WATER, WHILE THE AIRPLANE WAS AFLOAT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMadsen RANS S-12
Tail NumberN43364
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRonald F Madsen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582-B · Reciprocating · 66
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO