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NTSB Report
February 14, 1990 · Piper PA-28-235 · N8521W
Tappahannock, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 14, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tappahannock, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N8521W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO90LA026
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND MADE A FORCED LANDING ON MARSHY TERRAIN. THE AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENTLY NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. WATER WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR AND ABOUT 5 GALLONS OF WATER WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL TANK THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN REFUELED FROM. THE ENGINE WAS RUN SUCCESSFULLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO) PERSONNEL TO ASSURE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FREE OF WATER, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO INSURE THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS PROPERLY PREFLIGHTED. SOFT/MARSHY TERRAIN IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND MADE A FORCED LANDING ON MARSHY TERRAIN. THE AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENTLY NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. WATER WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR AND ABOUT 5 GALLONS OF WATER WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL TANK THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN REFUELED FROM. THE ENGINE WAS RUN SUCCESSFULLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EST
Nearest AirportTappahannock Muni (0nm N)
Runway20
Runway Length2875 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN8521W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 18 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC