On March 2, 1997, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9420W) was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel starvation due to the pilot's improper fuel tank selection. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced total engine power loss during climbout after a touch-and-go. The pilot landed in grass on airport property. Investigation found water contamination in the carburetor fuel bowl.
Event Description
During the climbout following a touch-and-go landing, the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing in the grass on the airport property. No injuries were reported.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies. The fuel system was inspected: the right main fuel tank was selected and contained approximately five quarts of fuel. According to the aircraft's owner's manual, the unusable fuel for all fuel tanks on the airplane is one pint each. The right main fuel tank gauge functioned normally after the accident, and no leaks were found in the right main fuel tank.
The carburetor's fuel bowl was not compromised in the accident and was nearly empty. The one fluid ounce of fluid removed from the carburetor fuel bowl consisted of one third water and two thirds gasoline.
What happened in the 2 Mar 1997 Piper PA-28-235 accident near West Chicago, IL?
An airplane experienced total engine power loss during climbout after a touch-and-go. The pilot landed in grass on airport property. Investigation found water contamination in the carburetor fuel bowl.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Mar 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9420W, at West Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
fuel starvation due to the pilot's improper fuel tank selection.
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