Sunday, January 12, 2020

Fuel Related: Beech 77 Skipper, N1802Y; accident occurred June 28, 2019 near Leesburg International Airport (KLEE), Lake County, Florida

Airplane Wreckage in Swamp 
Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Wreckage Post Recovery from Swamp 
Federal Aviation Administration

Engine Front View

Engine Rear View


The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 
 
https://registry.faa.gov/N1802Y


Location: Leesburg, FL
Accident Number: ERA19LA217
Date & Time: 06/28/2019, 1030 EDT
Registration: N1802Y
Aircraft: Beech 77
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel related
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 



On June 28, 2019, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft 77, N1802Y, was substantially damage when it impacted terrain after a partial loss of engine power during takeoff at the Leesburg International Airport (LEE), Leesburg, Florida. The flight instructor and the commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to Silver Flyers LLC and operated by Village Flyers Inc under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that originated at LEE at 1000.

The flight instructor stated he was giving the commercial pilot a check-out in the airplane. He said that they both performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and the fuel level was just below the tabs on both wing fuel tanks (about 20 gallons). The flight instructor said they completed about 30 minutes of air work before returning to the airport to practice takeoffs and landings. The first landing was normal, and the commercial pilot added power to takeoff. When the airplane reached an altitude of 400 ft above the ground, the engine started to lose power and the airplane began to descend. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to turn back and land on a taxiway, but they airplane was unable to reach the taxiway and he landed in trees and a swamp adjacent to the airport.

The commercial pilot said that during the touch and go, he added power to takeoff and initiated a climb at 68 knots but felt "that we were not climbing acceptably." He verified the throttle was full forward, the mixture was rich, and the fuel boost pump was on. The tachometer, which should have indicated at 2,400 rpm, was at 2,000 rpm. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and landed in trees. The airplane then descended into a shallow swamp, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage and both wings.

Examination of the engine revealed that when the bottom spark plugs were removed, water and mud poured out of each cylinder. The interior of each cylinder was examined with a lighted borescope and no mechanical anomalies were noted. However, there were signs of corrosion and mud. The engine was rotated via the propeller flange and valve train continuity was established on each cylinder. Compression was established on the No. 2 and No. 4 cylinders, but not on the remaining cylinders. The No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders were removed and were covered in mud and exhibited corrosion. Both magnetos were removed and rotated with a drill. Spark was produced to each ignition lead. The oil screen was removed and was absent of debris.

The carburetor icing probability chart included in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, indicated that the airplane was operating in an area that was associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at glide and cruise power settings. The flight instructor stated that they did not use carburetor heat on landing because "the carburetor heat on that plane caused the engine to run very rough when applied."

According to a representative of the operator, the engine would sporadically "run rougher than normal" when carburetor heat was applied. He said that he flew the airplane the day before the accident and he had no issues with the carburetor heat and was unsure as to why the engine would run rough on some days but not others. A mechanic had looked at the carburetor prior to the accident and found nothing wrong, but they had already planned to have the carburetor examined more closely at the next scheduled oil change.

According to the airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), the before landing checklist stated, "Carburetor Heat - FULL HOT or FULL COLD, AS REQUIRED."

The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine sea, single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. He was also a certified flight instructor with a rating for airplane single engine. The flight instructor's last FAA Basic Med medical certificate was issued on July 17, 2017. He reported a total of 1,985 hours, of which, 11 hours were in the same make/model as the accident airplane.

The commercial pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, and instrument airplane. His last FAA Basic Med medical certificate was issued on May 4, 2017. The commercial pilot reported a total of 627 hours, of which, 2 hours were in the make/model as the accident airplane.

Weather reported LEE at 1023 was wind from 100° at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 84° F, dew point 73° F, and an altimeter setting of 30.14 inches of mercury.




Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/17/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/17/2018
Flight Time:  1985 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11 hours (Total, this make and model), 1932 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 18 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.8 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 66, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/04/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/21/2017
Flight Time:  627 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model), 623 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.8 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N1802Y
Model/Series: 77
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: WA-268
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/17/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1675 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 46 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2090 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-235-L2C
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 115 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: LEE, 76 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1023 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 310°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Leesburg, FL (LEE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Leesburg, FL (LEE)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1000 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Leesburg International (LEE)
Runway Surface Type: Water
Airport Elevation: 76 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Standing Water; Vegetation; Wet
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 28.000000, -81.000000 (est)


























Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 182C Skylane, N8521T; accident occurred June 24, 2019 at Big Bend Ranch State Park Airport (3T9), Presidio, Texas

View of left wing damage 

View of left wing damage 

View of right wing damage 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


https://registry.faa.gov/N8521T


Location: Presidio, TX
Accident Number: GAA19CA371
Date & Time: 06/24/2019, 1830 CDT
Registration: N8521T
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot reported that, during landing, and upon touchdown, the airplane encountered a very strong left crosswind. The wings started to lift, and the airplane started to climb. He corrected by pitching the nose down and positioned the ailerons to counter the crosswind. The airplane encountered a second crosswind gust, all corrections were ineffective, and the airplane veered off the runway to the right. Upon leaving the runway, the airplane encountered thick vegetation and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right and left wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

An airport's automated weather observation station located 24 miles to the north-east reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 290° at 3 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable. The airplane was landing on runway 26.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 46, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/29/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/04/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 253 hours (Total, all aircraft), 110 hours (Total, this make and model), 203 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8521T
Model/Series: 182 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 52421
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPRS, 2940 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 24 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2335 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 294°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 290°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / Light
Altimeter Setting: 29.79 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 39°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Alpine, TX (E38)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Presidio, TX (3T9)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1800 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK (3T9)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4250 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 26
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5500 ft / 80 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.471111, -103.936389 (est)

Loss of Control in Flight: Cirrus SR22, N581SD; accident occurred June 02, 2019 at Centennial Airport (KAPA), Denver, Colorado

View of damage to the elevator
Federal Aviation Administration






Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 

 
https://registry.faa.gov/N581SD


Location: Denver, CO
Accident Number: GAA19CA306
Date & Time: 06/02/2019, 0800 MDT
Registration: N581SD
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The pilot under instruction, reported that he had recently purchased the airplane, and it was his third dual-instruction flight in the airplane. The flight instructor requested a short approach to accomplish a simulated engine failure approach and landing. The pilot asserted that ground instruction for the simulated engine failure was never accomplished

The instructor requested a simulated emergency landing on runway 17, which was denied by the tower controller due to traffic. The request was made for runway 28 and approved by the tower controller. The airplane intersected runway 28 at a 45° angle. The instructor told the pilot to reduce the power to idle and initiate the approach at 100 knots airspeed. The pilot recalled that by the time glide speed was established "we were on top of the numbers." The pilot under instruction was told to, "turn right" but he felt that it was too late to turn and align the airplane with the runway heading. The airplane touched down hard on the left edge of runway 28, exited the left side of the runway and collided with runway lights, before the instructor steered the airplane back onto the runway and stopped.

The flight instructor reported that he "had given the student ground on how to execute a power-off landing at least twice." During the approach, the airplane turned to the right and intersected a 45° angle toward the runway, the engine power was reduced, the airspeed remained within glide speed parameters, and the instructor told the pilot to, "start your turn," but he did not respond., The airplane overshot the right turn point toward the runway. The pilot applied hard right rudder, and then immediately applied hard left rudder. The instructor took the controls and leveled the airplane, and then applied full power. The airplane landed hard on the left edge of runway 28, it exited the left side of the runway and the instructor pulled the power off. His hand was on top of the pilot's, who subsequently added full power. The instructor reduced the power, but again the pilot added full power. The instructor was able to steer that airplane and bring it to a stop on the runway.

Surveillance footage of the accident provided by the FAA, revealed that during approach, the airplane converged on about a 45° angle toward runway 28. When the airplane approached the runway numbers, the airplane's right wing dropped rapidly, and the nose pitched up. Seconds later, the left wing dropped rapidly, and the airplane impacted the left side of the runway, just prior to the runway aim point markings. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with runway lighting. The airplane remained upright and returned to the runway surface before coming to a stop about mid-field.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator, and the vertical stabilizer.

Both pilot's reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/19/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/15/2017
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 1444 hours (Total, all aircraft), 7 hours (Total, this make and model), 1444 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial; Flight Engineer
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/26/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/31/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 18000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 67 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cirrus
Registration: N581SD
Model/Series: SR22 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3171
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3100 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 753 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 315 hp
Operator:On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPA, 5883 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 90°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 8000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 210°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Denver, CO (APA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Denver, CO (APA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0715 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Centennial (APA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5885 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4800 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 39.570000, -104.849444 (est)

Cabin Safety Event: Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2A, N57LK; accident occurred July 26, 2019 near Wurtsboro-Sullivan County Airport (N82), Wurtsboro, New York

View of damage to empennage 
 Federal Aviation Administration 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albany, New York

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N57LK

Location: Wurtsboro, NY
Accident Number: GAA19CA469
Date & Time: 07/26/2019, 1400 EDT
Registration: N57LK
Aircraft: Schempp Hirth VENTUS 2A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Cabin safety event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal


The glider pilot reported that, while being towed the glider began to climb and the canopy opened. The pilot released the glider from the tow airplane, and he reached up and closed the canopy. He recalled that he decreased the glider's airspeed, and he made a 180° right turn to final. On final, the glider was high, and he deployed the airbrakes, but the canopy opened again. The pilot closed the canopy and held it shut with his left hand, while trying to control the glider with his right hand, but the glider's altitude decreased "very quickly." The glider's wingtip struck a shipping container that was just short of the runway.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/13/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 174 hours (Total, all aircraft), 150 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Schempp Hirth
Registration: N57LK
Model/Series: VENTUS 2A No Series
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 137
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/04/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 695 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 0
Airframe Total Time: 876.8 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMGJ, 365 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1754 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 121°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.26 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 15°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wurtsboro, NY (N82)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wurtsboro, NY (N82)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Wurtsboro-Sullivan County (N82)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 548 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 05
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3591 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Precautionary Landing; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 41.597222, -74.458333 (est)

Fuel Contamination: Cessna 152, N47028, accident occurred July 25, 2019 near Wakefield Municipal Airport (KAKQ), Sussex County, Virginia

Main Wreckage
Virginia State Police

Fuel Sample From Carburetor
Federal Aviation Administration

Fuel Sample From Firewall Sump
Federal Aviation Administration

Fuel Sample From Belly Sump
Federal Aviation Administration

Right Wing Fuel Cap 
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N47028

Location: Wakefield, VA
Accident Number: ERA19TA235
Date & Time: 07/25/2019, 1140 EDT
Registration: N47028
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel contamination
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On July 25, 2019, about 1140 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N47028, was substantially damaged during a rejected takeoff at Wakefield Municipal Airport (AKQ), Wakefield, Virginia. The solo private pilot was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

The pilot stated that prior to his first flight of the day from Norfolk International Airport (ORF), Norfolk, Virginia, he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane that included a check of each fuel tank, which were full. No water was detected in the left main fuel tank, but during sump testing of the right main fuel tank, he had to get seven samples from the tank before the sample was clear and no water was present. He also checked the fuel strainer and a belly drain, and there was no water in the sample from either.

The pilot flew from ORF to AKQ uneventfully with the intention to perform touch-and-go landings on runway 20, a 4,337-ft-long asphalt runway. During the takeoff phase of the first touch-and-go landing, about 25 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered. The pilot landed the airplane on the remaining portion of the runway, near the departure end. Realizing there was insufficient runway to stop, he turned the airplane left and it impacted a perimeter fence before coming to rest upright. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer were damaged. During the examination, the inspector recovered fuel with water in it from three sources: the carburetor, the belly sump, and the firewall sump. The inspector also noted what appeared to be a gray putty substance around the right wing fuel cap gasket, which did not appear to be an approved repair. The inspector added that prior to the day of the accident, the airplane sat outside in rain.



Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/06/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/28/2019
Flight Time:  235 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 134 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N47028
Model/Series: 152
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: 15283159
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/11/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1669 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 68 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 8685 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235 SERIES
Registered Owner: Bishop's LTD
Rated Power: 115 hp
Operator: Norfolk Flying Club
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: AKQ, 111 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1154 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wakefield, VA (AKQ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wakefield, VA (AKQ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1140 EDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Wakefield Municipal Airport (AKQ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 111 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 20
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4337 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.981111, -77.003056