On April 7, 1983, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N3172P) was involved in an aviation accident near American Falls, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water in the fuel tanks, which led to engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A twin-engine aircraft sustained damage during a forced landing in a pasture after both engines quit due to water contamination in the fuel tanks.
What happened
The aircraft was involved in an off-airport forced landing resulting from water contamination within the fuel system. Following takeoff, the left engine failed at an altitude of approximately 300 feet. The pilot attempted a left turn back toward the airport; however, the right engine began to sputter during this maneuver. Consequently, the pilot executed a straight-ahead landing in a pasture. During the rollout, the aircraft encountered a two-foot decline in the terrain, which resulted in damage to the left landing gear, the step, and the left wing.
The investigation
Examination of the fuel system revealed that water was present in both fuel tanks. This contamination is consistent with the reported engine failures during flight.
Probable cause
Water in the fuel tanks, which led to engine failure.