Accident Overview
On May 13, 2024, at 1007 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22 airplane, registration N669A, was substantially damaged during an accident near Enderlin, North Dakota. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal operation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, she departed Edgeley Municipal Airport (51D) in Edgeley, North Dakota, and flew to Sky Haven Airport (5N4) in Enderlin, North Dakota, where she performed two landings. After the second landing, she taxied to the parking area and shut down the airplane.
Two passengers then boarded, and the pilot started the engine, performed a run-up, took off, completed one traffic pattern circuit, and landed. After landing, she taxied back to the parking area, the passengers disembarked, and two more passengers boarded. The pilot took off to perform another circuit. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing at about 100 to 200 feet above ground level (agl), the engine began running rough. The pilot turned on the carburetor heat, which resulted in a slight power improvement, but the engine again ran rough and the airplane began to descend. At approximately 50 feet agl, the engine lost power, and the pilot executed an off-airport landing. Upon touchdown, the nosewheel dug into the ground, and the airplane flipped inverted.
Damage and Postaccident Examination
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, rudder, and engine mount. A postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. However, upon examining the right tank gascolator strainer housing and bowl, debris and sediment were found. The fuel lines to and from the fuel strainer contained similar buildup and deposits.
Fuel and Carburetor Ice Considerations
The pilot stated that both fuel tanks were filled to maximum capacity (18 gallons per tank) before departure from 51D and that she operated solely on the right fuel tank for about 1 hour before the accident. According to the manufacturer's owner's handbook, fuel consumption is about 4.5 to 11 gallons per hour, and the handbook cautions against operating solely on the right fuel tank in a climb when fuel in that tank is below 1/3 capacity. A review of a carburetor ice chart indicated that the temperature (53°F) and dewpoint (39°F) at the time were conducive to carburetor ice at cruise power but not at climb power.
Maintenance History
The manufacturer requires that the gascolator be checked frequently for water or sediment, and the inspection report mandates draining and cleaning the right tank filter bowl at least every 90 days. The airplane owner stated he assumed the strainer under the right front seat was part of the brake system and was unaware it was a quick-drain gascolator for the right fuel tank; he never sumped that drain. The airframe and powerplant mechanic who performed the three prior annual inspections did not return the investigator's phone call, so it could not be determined if the manufacturer's inspection checklist was used.