Probable cause
The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel contamination. Also causal was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight with known contaminants in the fuel.
NTSB analysis
The airplane had not been flown for four years. It was on the second leg of a ferry flight when the left engine failed. The pilot made a forced landing to a plowed field, during which the wings and bottom fuselage sustained substantial damage. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot told the airport manager that he could not get all of the water out of the fuel system and that he was sure that more water would be found during sumping, due to sloshing during the flight from the previous airport. The pilot stated that no contamination was found during the preflight. An examination of the airplane showed water in the fuel. No other anomalies were found with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA211 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shelbyville, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Shelbyville Municipal Airport (GEZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-23-160
- N-number
- N338WS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.