On July 11, 1994, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N3381P) was involved in an aviation accident near Hampton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION, HIS FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED THAT RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT INSPECTION THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY THE WORN FUEL CELL CAPS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the left engine quit. The airplane veered left, stalled, and impacted the ground. Post-accident inspection revealed water in both engine fuel pumps and loose fuel caps with cracked seals, despite a recent annual inspection.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported hearing the left engine sputtering during the takeoff roll. The airplane became airborne, then veered to the left, stalled, and impacted the ground. The pilot had flown to the airport to have radio work done. During a two-hour parking period on the ramp, heavy rain occurred. Subsequently, the airplane was taxied to a fixed-base operator (FBO) and fueled. During the subsequent takeoff, the left engine quit.
Post-Accident Examination
No water was found in the refueling truck, and other aircraft were fueled from the same truck before and after the accident with no discrepancies reported. Examination of the accident airplane revealed water in both engine fuel pumps. The thermos-type fuel caps for both main tanks were found loose, and their seals were cracked. An airworthiness directive (AD) requires annual inspection of the fuel caps. The aircraft log indicated that this inspection was performed approximately one month prior to the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Jul 1994 Piper PA-23-160 accident near Hampton, GA?
During takeoff, the left engine quit. The airplane veered left, stalled, and impacted the ground. Post-accident inspection revealed water in both engine fuel pumps and loose fuel caps with cracked seals, despite a recent annual inspection.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jul 1994 involved a Piper PA-23-160, registration N3381P, at Hampton, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION, HIS FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED THAT RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT INSPECTION THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY THE WORN FUEL CELL CAPS.
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