No fatalities

PIPER PA-28-235 accident at Clearwater, FL, 5 Jul 2023

Clearwater, FL, United States

On July 5, 2023, a PIPER PA-28-235 operated by HARMON TROY L was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination (water). This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination (water).

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotFluid condition

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 2023 PIPER PA-28-235 accident near Clearwater, FL?

The pilot’s improper preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination (water).

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 2023 PIPER PA-28-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 2023 involved a PIPER PA-28-235, operated by HARMON TROY L, at Clearwater, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel contamination (water).