On July 24, 2004, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6139J) was involved in an aviation accident near Somerville, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in an attempted takeoff with contaminated fuel, and a subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb, engine sputtered. Aircraft struck tree and impacted field in forced landing. Investigation found water contamination in carburetor and fuel strainer.
Accident Sequence
As the airplane began an initial climb from the runway, the engine began to sputter. The airplane subsequently struck a tree and impacted a field during a forced landing.
Wreckage Examination
During an examination of the wreckage, approximately 5 ounces of fluid were recovered from the carburetor bowl. About one-third of the fluid was consistent with water, and the remaining fluid was consistent with 100 LL aviation gasoline. Several droplets of fluid were also recovered from the fuel strainer. Some of those droplets were consistent with water.
Pre-Accident Conditions
The airplane was last fueled two days prior to the accident and remained parked outside until the accident flight. During that time, the airport experienced periods of heavy rainfall.
What happened in the 24 Jul 2004 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Somerville, NJ?
During climb, engine sputtered. Aircraft struck tree and impacted field in forced landing. Investigation found water contamination in carburetor and fuel strainer.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6139J, at Somerville, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The flight instructor's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in an attempted takeoff with contaminated fuel, and a subsequent forced landing.
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