On May 5, 1992, a Piper PA23-150 (registration N2310B) operated by John D. Rowlett was involved in an aviation accident near Modesto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported that the left engine failed during initial climb, then surged; a forced gear-up landing was made on grass between runways. Water and rust-colored sediment were found in the left fuel tank sump.
Event Description
According to the pilot, the aircraft was between 50 and 100 feet above ground level during the initial climb after takeoff when the left engine suddenly lost power. The pilot corrected for the resulting yaw and had just stabilized the aircraft when the left engine surged back to life. The pilot then decided to land the aircraft. The airplane subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted in a level attitude on a grassy area situated between the runways.
Post-Accident Examination
FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the aircraft and determined that it was operating under a supplemental type certificate that authorized the use of automotive fuel. During the inspection, a quantity of water and rust-colored sediment was drained from the left fuel tank sump. No other system abnormalities were identified during the examination of the aircraft.
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