Accident Summary
On October 27, 2019, about 1055 central daylight time, a Piper PA22-150 airplane, registration N2621P, impacted terrain during a takeoff from Benson Airport (6MN9) in White Bear Township, Minnesota. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that this was the first flight of the day and he conducted a preflight examination, including checking the trims. He noted 18 gallons of fuel in the left tank and no fuel in the right tank. The engine had 5 quarts of oil. After taxiing on runway 13, he performed a running carburetor check and magneto test. At the end of runway 13, he turned the airplane and broadcast his intention to take off from runway 31 and enter the traffic pattern. He started the takeoff and did not remember anything further.
Wreckage Examination
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane struck a tree and terrain about 1/4 mile northwest of the departure end of runway 31, coming to rest near a ditch. An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and photo-documented the controls. The right fuel tank was found dry, while the left tank contained an estimated 5 gallons of liquid. The fuel selector valve was positioned to the right fuel tank. The gascolator/strainer was intact but dry. The engine was not bound and rotated freely by hand.
Weather Conditions
At 1045, the recorded weather at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (Janes Field), near Minneapolis, Minnesota, was: wind 300° at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, overcast clouds at 2,000 feet, temperature 7°C, dew point 2°C, altimeter 29.90 inches of mercury. The temperature and dew point spread were plotted on a carburetor icing chart, indicating a probability of carburetor icing at any power setting.
Aircraft Information
The airplane owner's handbook states that two 18-gallon fuel tanks provide storage and that the main fuel strainer is located on the lower left engine side of the firewall. It emphasizes checking the fuel selector to ensure it is on the proper tank before takeoff, and cautions that when the right tank fuel quantity is 1/3 or less, it should be used only in level flight.