On October 25, 1984, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N4873Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Vicksburg, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly with known water in the fuel system, which resulted in engine power loss and a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot detected water in the fuel during preflight but took off anyway. The engine lost power, forcing a landing where the pilot struck a tree to slow down.
What happened
During the preflight inspection, the pilot noticed water contamination in the fuel sample. Despite this warning, the aircraft departed on its intended flight. Shortly after takeoff, the engine began running roughly. While on the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power completely. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing. To reduce speed during the approach, the pilot intentionally struck a tree with the left wing.
The investigation
Post-acc examination of the aircraft revealed significant fuel system contamination. The carburetor float chamber was found to be half full of water. This physical evidence confirmed that water had entered the engine's fuel supply, leading to the loss of power.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to fly with known water in the fuel system, which resulted in engine power loss and a forced landing.
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