Accident Sequence
An owner flew a PA-23 from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Jackson County, Florida, with another pilot following in a separate aircraft (N3909Y). According to the owner, the other pilot was meticulous and always drained fuel prior to flight. After a one-hour flight to Jackson County, both pilots inspected the aircraft before the return trip but did not drain the fuel. Approximately three to four minutes after takeoff, the engine lost power. The owner, seated in the right front seat, took control and switched the fuel selector from the left to the right tank, but the engine did not respond.
Fuel System Examination
Subsequent examination revealed that three ounces of fluid drained from the gascolator were identified as water. The cap on the flow divider was removed, and only water was found inside the unit. Fuel from the wing tanks on this aircraft flows through fuel reservoir tanks. There was evidence of leakage in the right tank fuel cap. A substantial amount of water was drained from each tank, with the most being found in the right tank. The aircraft had sat in rain the previous weekend. The owner's manual states to drain from the fullest tank only. Additionally, the fuel control screen was contaminated and partially blocked.