Piper PA28 N9836W accident near Hollywood, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to water contamination.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that, during an extended absence, a family member checked on his airplane and found that the right wing fuel cap was missing. The pilot ordered a new fuel cap, and it was installed on the airplane. After the pilot's return, about 1 week before the accident, he added fuel to the right tank and then drained it; he repeated the process several times and then performed an extended engine run-up and taxi check; he did not fly the airplane that day. On the day of the accident, he sampled both fuel tanks, performed a prolonged engine run-up, and taxied for about 30 to 45 minutes before departing on the accident flight. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost all power. The pilot conducted a forced landing, and the airplane impacted terrain 1,000 ft from the departure end of the runway.

Postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed the presence of water at the firewall-mounted fuel strainer. Although the pilot reported that he performed a thorough preflight inspection, it is likely that water remained in the fuel system, which resulted in the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA230 for the full record.