What happened
On 5 July 2000, a Piper PA-30 Twin Commanche, registration G-AXRO, was performing a private flight from Elmsett to Blackpool. During the takeoff roll from Runway 23, the pilot noticed a rightward yaw and observed that the right-hand engine was producing only approximately 2,000 RPM. Although the aircraft became airborne, it failed to accelerate past 80 kt.
As the pilot attempted to climb and retracted the landing gear, the aircraft experienced a severe yaw to the right. In an effort to maintain airspeed and avoid obstacles, the pilot lowered the nose and turned left to avoid a nearby house. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude, and the right wing tip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to slide into a hedge. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the engine power reduction. Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that water had entered the fuel control unit of the right-hand engine. The aircraft had been refuelled at Gloucestershire Airport two days prior, and heavy rainfall had occurred between the refuelling and the accident.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's pre-flight inspection. The pilot had checked the fuel drains by observing the transparent tubes attached to the selector valve filters. However, the investigation noted that the manufacturer's instructions require drained fuel to be collected in a container and physically examined for contaminants, rather than relying on visual inspection through the tubes.
Findings
- Water was present in the fuel control unit of the right-hand engine.
- The pilot's pre-flight inspection relied on a visual check of fuel flowing through transparent tubes rather than collecting and inspecting the fuel in a container as required by the manufacturer's manual.
- The aircraft had been exposed to heavy rain following its last refuelling.