Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N2824M accident near Whitethorn, California

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had not flown the airplane frequently in the months leading up to the accident. On the day of the accident flight, he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane, including a visual inspection of the fuel level, and determined there was sufficient fuel on board for the flight. However, he did not recall if a fuel sample was taken. During the initial climb, the engine initially sputtered and then lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but without success; he deployed the airplane’s emergency parachute. The airplane impacted trees and subsequently came to rest on the ground inverted.

Aircraft recovery personnel reported that fuel was leaking from the airplane, and they recovered about 26 gallons of fuel from the left wing. No fuel was recovered from the right wing.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel manifold assembly was removed and disassembled, and a liquid substance was noted. The liquid substance was tested for water using SAR-GEL, a water-finding paste; it tested positive for water. It is likely the total loss of engine power was a result of water in the airplane’s fuel system. It could not be determined how or when the water entered the airplane’s fuel system.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA106 for the full record.