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NTSB Report
August 29, 1983 · Piper PA-11-90 · CFGNB
Babb, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Babb, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-11-90
Tail Number
CFGNB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83LA202
THE PILOT SAID THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE FUELED THE LEFT TANK OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE RIGHT TANK WAS REPORTEDLY EMPTY. FIVE OR TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT PUT THE ACFT INTO A 5 DEGREE LEFT FORWARD SLIP FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. AS SOON AS THE PILOT RETURNED THE ACFT TO LEVEL FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED VARIOUS PROCEDURES, BUT COULD NOT RESTORE POWER TO THE ENGINE. HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A SMALL POND. AS THE ACFT SLOWED AND CAME OFF THE STEP, THE LEFT FLOAT STRUCK SUBMERGED WILLOW STICKS AND SANK. THE LEFT WING DROPPED AND STRUCK THE WATER. THE PILOT SAID THAT THIS FUEL TANK DOES NOT HAVE A DRAIN AND UNLESS YOU DRAW APRX 1 GALLON OF FUEL THRU THE GASCOLATOR, WATER WILL NOT SHOWUP.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE FUELED THE LEFT TANK OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE RIGHT TANK WAS REPORTEDLY EMPTY. FIVE OR TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT PUT THE ACFT INTO A 5 DEGREE LEFT FORWARD SLIP FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. AS SOON AS THE PILOT RETURNED THE ACFT TO LEVEL FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED VARIOUS PROCEDURES, BUT COULD NOT RESTORE POWER TO THE ENGINE. HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A SMALL POND. AS THE ACFT SLOWED AND CAME OFF THE STEP, THE LEFT FLOAT STRUCK SUBMERGED WILLOW STICKS AND SANK. THE LEFT WING DROPPED AND STRUCK THE WATER. THE PILOT SAID THAT THIS FUEL TANK DOES NOT HAVE A DRAIN AND UNLESS YOU DRAW APRX 1 GALLON OF FUEL THRU THE GASCOLATOR, WATER WILL NOT SHOWUP.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-11-90
Tail NumberCFGNB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90-8F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 12 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC