What happened
On 23 December 2024, a Rockwell Commander 112 TCA, registration N469LL, was performing a private local flight from Fife Airport. Following a standard takeoff, the aircraft began its initial climb but experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The aircraft subsequently departed from controlled flight and struck rising ground near the village of Kinglassie. The impact resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Prior to the flight, the aircraft had been parked at the airport apron for approximately 20 minutes with the engine running. Witnesses at the airfield noted the engine was at high power for a short period before the takeoff roll commenced. During the climb, the engine began misfiring, leading to the subsequent impact with the terrain.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's engine and found no mechanical defects or ignition system failures that would account for the power loss. However, a detailed inspection of the fuel system revealed significant water contamination downstream of the fuel selector valve, as well as in the left wheel well sump drain. The volume of water found in the carburettor float bowl was large enough to cover the power jet inlet port, which allowed water to be drawn into the main nozzle instead of fuel.
Analysis of the pre-flight procedures was also conducted. While CCTV footage was unable to confirm the specific actions taken by the pilot during the pre-flight inspection, the investigation noted that the amount of water present in the system was substantial. Investigators also highlighted a potential difficulty in fuel sampling: a full tube of water drained from the system could still emit an odour of AVGAS, potentially misleading a pilot during a visual or olfactory inspection.
Findings
- The engine power loss was caused by water ingestion into the carburettor, which interrupted the fuel-to-air mixture.
- Significant water contamination was present throughout the fuel system.
- The pre-flight inspection failed to identify or remove the water from the fuel system drains.