On July 6, 1991, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5953P) operated by Boles, Lyman M. was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performed a gear-up landing on a taxiway after the engine lost power during a crosswind turn. Post-accident drainage of the carburetor bowl revealed water contamination.
Incident Details
A pilot reported that the fuel tanks had been filled the day before the accident flight at a nearby airport. The pilot noted that a 20-minute return flight was uneventful. Before departing on a local flight, the fuel tanks were checked for contaminants; none were found. The flight departed and performed one touch-and-go landing. While turning crosswind, the engine lost power. The pilot then landed the aircraft gear up on a taxiway.
Investigation Details
Immediately after the accident, the fuel tanks were drained. Two days after the accident, the carburetor bowl was drained, revealing approximately 130 milliliters of fuel and 20 milliliters of water. No other details about the aircraft, operator, or injuries were provided in the source.
What happened in the 6 Jul 1991 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Valparaiso, FL?
A pilot performed a gear-up landing on a taxiway after the engine lost power during a crosswind turn. Post-accident drainage of the carburetor bowl revealed water contamination.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jul 1991 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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