Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to ensure that the fuel system was purged of water prior to flight. Contributing to the severity of injuries was the lack of shoulder restraints.
NTSB analysis
While on climb out from the airport, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. A restart was not successful, and the pilot crashed into an open field. An examination of the airframe and engine determined that water had been allowed to enter and settle in the fuel system for an extended period of time. This resulted in the build up of rust in the fuel selector sump, the fuel selector screen, and the carburetor bowl. The fuel selector sump contained fuel, which through the use of water detection paste, was confirmed to be contaminated with water. Fuel system containation resulted in a loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08LA068 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 10, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spring, Texas
- Nearest airport
- David Wayne Hooks Memorial (DWH)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-235
- N-number
- N9047W
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.