Summary
On October 13, 1996, a Harper W-8 TAILWIND (N91323) was involved in an accident near Macclenny, FL. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
On October 13, 1996, at 1235 central daylight time, a Harper W-8 Tailwind, N91323, collided with trees while attempting a forced landing to a private airstrip near MacClenny, Florida. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight departed a private airstrip in MacClenny, Florida, at 1230.
The pilot reported that he landed at a private airstrip in MacClenny and refueled with seven gallons of automotive fuel. There was no record of the pilot checking the fuel system for contaminates after he refueled the airplane.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ATL97LA003. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N91323.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On October 13, 1996, at 1235 central daylight time, a Harper W-8 Tailwind, N91323, collided with trees while attempting a forced landing to a private airstrip near MacClenny, Florida. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight departed a private airstrip in MacClenny, Florida, at 1230.
The pilot reported that he landed at a private airstrip in MacClenny and refueled with seven gallons of automotive fuel. There was no record of the pilot checking the fuel system for contaminates after he refueled the airplane. As the pilot taxied for takeoff, no mechanical problems with the airplane were experienced, but while climbing through 150 feet after takeoff, the pilot experienced a rough engine condition followed by a loss of engine power. He elected to return to the airport for the emergency landing. The airplane collided with trees short of the airport.
The examination of the airplane disclosed that the fuel system was refueled with automotive fuel. Further examination disclosed that there was rust and debris in the fuel tank, gasculator, carburetor inlet screen, and carburetor bowl. The examination of the engine failed to disclose a mechanical problem. A review of the aircraft and engine log showed the engine was a surplus military Lycoming-Spencer O-290-G4.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL97LA003