Primary finding
Probable cause
the inadequate preflight by the pilot, resulting in engine failure due to water ingestion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and her husband flew the airplane the morning of the accident from one airport to another. The pilot preflighted the airplane again that afternoon and departed on a solo flight. During the climb out, about 150 feet above the ground, the engine totally lost power, without any preliminary sputtering or warning. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a field and struck trees during the descent. Investigation revealed that water had been found in the fuel system during the 2 months prior to the accident. Examination of the engine revealed water and rust in the fuel pump and carburetor.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 13, 1994, at 1325 eastern daylight time, an Aircoupe A-2, N888JL, owned by David E. Miller and piloted by Anne Miller, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from a private airstrip (VA91), in Goode, Virginia. The pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that she and her husband flew N888JL that morning from VA91, to the Forest Airport (W90), 5 miles away, and then returned to VA91. She further stated: "...I preflighted the plane again at approximately 1315 in preparation to fly...I started my takeoff roll at approximately 1330. Everything was normal, lifted off and climbed about 150 feet when the engine totally lost power all at once, no sputtering. I was over the end of the runway. I turned toward a small field left of the runway...I was too high to land in the field...and was trying to make the next field when I hit...the trees on the edge of the field...The plane was refueled on November 12 at W90..." According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector's report, he stated: "...Indications were that the propeller was not rotating on impact. Witnesses and owner stated that water had been found in fuel system since the aircraft was purchased two months prior. Owner and mechanic felt that they had finally removed all water from system...The fuel pump and carburetor were removed on site ...Water, water traces and rust were found in the fuel pump and carburetor..." END OF REPORT - NOTHING FOLLOWS -