A-87-128
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: IF THE PIPER APACHE/AZTEC FUEL CELL TESTS DISCLOSE THAT UNSAFE QUANTITIES OF WATER CAN BE ENTRAPPED, ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE CONTAINING APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL ACTION THAT MUST BE TAKEN TO PURGE THE FUEL CELLS OF SUCH WATER OR TO PREVENT THE WATER FROM REACHING THE ENGINE. THE REMEDIAL ACTION MAY INCLUDE USE OF SPECIAL FUEL CELL SUCTION/SIPHONING DEVICES, INSTALLATION OF FUEL CELL SUMP DRAINS, LARGER CAPACITY FUEL STRAINERS, AND/OR DIRECTED, SPECIAL PREFLIGHT ACTION THAT A PILOT MUST TAKE TO CHANGE THE AIRPLANE'S NORMAL GROUND ATTITUDE AND TO OPTIMIZE DRAINAGE OF WATER THROUGH THE EXISTING FUEL STRAINERS.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to issue an airworthiness directive requiring actions to remove trapped water from Piper Apache/Aztec fuel cells or prevent it from reaching the engine, if tests confirm that unsafe amounts of water can accumulate. Possible actions include using suction devices, installing sump drains, larger fuel strainers, or special preflight procedures to change the aircraft’s ground attitude for better water drainage.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Mar 14, 1991 |
| NTSB number | 80665 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).