On August 2, 1988, a Beech B23 (registration N4006T) operated by Thomas Brooks Chartered was involved in an aviation accident near Cimarron, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT TO PROPERLY PREFLIGHT HIS AIRCRAFT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES PROVIDED IN THE OPERATORS HANDBOOK THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER FOLLOWING TAKEOFF DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION CAUSED BY WATER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed while attempting to return to the airport after a partial loss of engine power. The aircraft had been parked for 11 days with partially filled fuel tanks and deteriorated cap seals; water was found in the fuel.
Accident Overview
An accident occurred as the pilot was attempting to return to the airport after experiencing a partial loss of engine power. Witnesses reported that after starting the engine, the pilot taxied to the end of the runway, where the engine quit. After draining the sumps, the engine restarted after several attempts. The aircraft then departed, and the witnesses left the airport. No one witnessed the accident.
Wreckage Discovery
The wreckage was found approximately three hours later. Examination revealed that the aircraft had been parked at the airport for 11 days with the fuel tanks partially filled. The fuel tank cap seals were deteriorated, and several rain showers had occurred at the airport during that period. Water was found in the fuel tanks during the wreckage examination.
What happened in the 2 Aug 1988 Beech B23 accident near Cimarron, NM?
An aircraft crashed while attempting to return to the airport after a partial loss of engine power. The aircraft had been parked for 11 days with partially filled fuel tanks and deteriorated cap seals; water was found in the fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Aug 1988 involved a Beech B23, registration N4006T, operated by Thomas Brooks Chartered, at Cimarron, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT TO PROPERLY PREFLIGHT HIS AIRCRAFT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES PROVIDED IN THE OPERATORS HANDBOOK THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER FOLLOWING TAKEOFF DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION CAUSED BY WATER.
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