Accident Overview
On August 5, 2019, about 0940 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28 140 airplane, registration N5915U, impacted vegetation and terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Miami Executive Airport (TMB), near Miami, Florida. The flight instructor received minor injuries, while the student pilot and passenger reported serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Osorio Aviation Corp. as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from TMB at the time of the accident.
Flight Sequence
According to the flight instructor, a preflight inspection was conducted. Some oil was added to the engine, and a check of the fuel revealed about 30-40 gallons present. The passenger, student pilot, and instructor boarded and followed the checklist for engine start, which they described as normal. They copied the automated terminal information service details indicating calm wind and runways 27R/27L in use. After contacting clearance and ground control, they taxied via taxiway alpha for runway 27R.
The engine run-up was conducted using the checklist. The magneto check produced about a 50 RPM drop for each magneto, and the carburetor heat test indicated about a 50 RPM drop. The fuel pump was on, all gauges were in the green arc, and all indications were normal.
The tower controller issued a clearance for takeoff, and the student conducted a normal takeoff with no flaps. The student rotated at about 75 knots. At 150-200 feet above ground level, the engine RPM dropped about 200-300 RPM, indicating a partial loss of power. The instructor then took over the controls, checked that all switches were on and the throttle was full forward, and found everything good. He elected to continue climbing at 70-75 knots, the best glide speed. He advised the tower of his intention to land on runway 9R. During the turn, the engine completely lost power, and the instructor decided to perform a forced landing on a corn field between runways 9R and 9L. After landing, the instructor assessed the occupants, advised the tower of their location and need for immediate medical assistance, secured the airplane, and evacuated.
Weather Conditions
At 0907, the recorded weather at TMB was: wind calm; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition few clouds at 800 feet and few clouds at 1,400 feet; temperature 28°C; dew point 26°C; altimeter 30.03 inches of mercury. At 0953, the recorded weather was: wind calm; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 30°C; dew point 26°C; altimeter 30.04 inches of mercury. The temperature and dew point spread present about the time of the accident was in the light carburetor icing range at cruise or descent power.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane. During sampling of the left-wing fuel tank sump, 16 ounces of water was removed. The airplane was recovered on a flatbed truck, and another sample was taken, revealing contamination consistent with fuel and water. The gascolator bowl was broken but contained a liquid consistent with water and fuel. Carburetor sampling also found the same contamination.
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25B, Aircraft Systems, includes guidance on fuel contamination, noting that accidents attributed to powerplant failure from fuel contamination have often been traced to inadequate preflight inspection, improper fuel filtering, partially filled tanks, or lack of maintenance. It emphasizes draining fuel from strainer and sumps into a transparent container and checking for dirt and water before every flight.