Casualties unknown

Left Engine Failure Leads to Collision with Crane and Crash into Bay (N556PR)

San Juan, PR, US

On August 18, 1994, a Piper PA-23 (registration N556PR) was involved in an aviation accident near San Juan, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attributed the loss of power in the left engine to his failure to properly drain all water from the fuel tanks prior to flight. 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

The pilot reported that the left engine lost power after takeoff, causing the aircraft to drift left, strike a construction crane, and crash upright into a bay. The pilot attributed the power loss to inadequate drainage of water from the fuel tanks.

Incident Overview

According to the official investigation, the pilot stated that the left engine lost power during takeoff. The aircraft subsequently drifted to the left and failed to climb sufficiently to clear a construction crane located to the left of the runway. The left wing of the aircraft struck the crane, after which the aircraft descended and crashed upright into the bay.

Pilot's Account

The pilot attributed the loss of power in the left engine to his failure to properly drain all water from the fuel tanks prior to the flight. The pilot reported that he did not hold a multi-engine rating. He further stated that he had 6 hours of multi-engine pilot-in-command time and no dual instruction in multi-engine aircraft.

Aftermath

The left engine separated from the aircraft during the crash and was not recovered. No other details regarding occupants, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot attributed the loss of power in the left engine to his failure to properly drain all water from the fuel tanks prior to flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02106. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.