1991-07-06: Piper PA-24-180 — Boles, Lyman M.

1991-07-06: Piper PA-24-180 — Boles, Lyman M. — Valparaiso, FL

Casualties unknown • Valparaiso, FL, US

Probable cause

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE FUEL TANKS WERE FILLED THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT FLT AT A NEARBY ARPT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE 20 MINUTE RETURN FLT WAS UNEVENTFUL. BEFORE DEPARTURE ON A LOCAL FLT, THE FUEL TANKS WERE CHECKED FOR CONTAMINANTS; NONE WERE FOUND. THE FLT DEPARTED, PERFORMED ONE TOUCH AND GO LANDING, AND THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING CROSSWIND, THE ENG LOST POWER. HE THEN LANDED THE ACFT GEAR UP ON A TAXIWAY. THE FUEL TANKS WERE DRAINED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE CARBURETOR BOWL WAS DRAINED 2 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHICH REVEALED ABOUT 130 ML OF FUEL AND 20 ML OF WATER.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-07-06 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Valparaiso, FL?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-07-06 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N5953P, operated by Boles, Lyman M., at Valparaiso, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

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