Casualties unknown

Left Engine Failure During Takeoff After Rain and Fueling; Water Found in Fuel Pumps and Loose Caps (N3381P)

Hampton, GA, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01665. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.