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Engine Failure After Refueling from Drums (N15400)

Quinhagak, AK, US

On June 13, 1983, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N15400) operated by Tri-city Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Quinhagak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination in the fuel in the right tip tank, which contained enough water to cause engine stoppage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced engine failure at 50-70 ft AGL after refueling from 50-gallon drums. The aircraft landed 1,500 ft off the runway end. Investigation revealed water contamination in the right tip tank and fuel distributor valve.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, the aircraft had been refueled from 50-gallon drums immediately prior to the flight. During takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 50 to 70 feet above ground level, the engine quit. The aircraft subsequently landed about 1,500 feet beyond the end of the runway.

Findings

Examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel in the right tip tank contained enough water to have caused the engine stoppage. The pilot also reported that when he removed the cover from the fuel distributor valve, it contained a large quantity of water.

Additional Information

The pilot stated that they have been unable to obtain the permits necessary to install underground fuel storage tanks.

Probable cause

Water contamination in the fuel in the right tip tank, which contained enough water to cause engine stoppage.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1983 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Quinhagak, AK?

An aircraft experienced engine failure at 50-70 ft AGL after refueling from 50-gallon drums. The aircraft landed 1,500 ft off the runway end. Investigation revealed water contamination in the right tip tank and fuel distributor valve.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N15400, operated by Tri-city Air Service, at Quinhagak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Water contamination in the fuel in the right tip tank, which contained enough water to cause engine stoppage.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43176. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.