Piper PA-32-260 accident near Beckley, WV
On March 11, 1994, a Piper PA-32-260 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Beckley, WV. 2 people were seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- March 11, 1994
- Place
- Beckley, WV
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-32-260 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 0 fatal, 2 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 37.779°N, 81.180°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001206X00981
NTSB summary
On March 11, 1993, at 1038 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3817W, owned and piloted by Mr. Thomas A. Boyd, of Charleston, West Virginia, struck rising terrain during a forced landing, due to a power loss. The airplane received substantial damage and the two occupants received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and the flight was operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight departed Charleston, West Virginia, at 1014, with 7000 feet as its final cruise altitude. At 1032:17, the pilot said, "Charleston Approach, Cherokee Three Eight One Seven Whisky got a problem." At 1032:23, he said, "...I think my fuel is icing up, I'd like to go to Beckley [West Virginia] immediately." The flight was vectored toward Beckley. At 1034:35, the pilot was asked how the engine was running, he replied, "...it's uh on and off." The pilot was unable to reach the airport and made a forced landing off airport. On final approach the airplane struck a wire, then rising terrain and came to stop. On site examination by personnel from the Charleston Flight Standards District Office revealed rust around the fuel cap on the right main tank. A co-owner told the FAA, they were aware of this condition and drained extra fuel from the right main to make sure all the water was drained from the tank. Fuel samples were not obtained from the tanks because the fire department had foamed the tanks and drained them. The engine was removed from the airplane and shipped to the Lycoming factory in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for further exam
Probable cause
A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION, WHILE OPERATING OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, AFTER THE PILOT FAILED TO REMOVE ALL THE WATER FROM THE TANK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO OPERATE THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN LEAKING FUEL CAP.
More accidents in WV
- Bell UH-1B, Jun 22, 2022
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- Piper PA-32-R-300, Sep 26, 1982
- Piper PA-32RT-300T, Feb 9, 1984
Browse: West Virginia · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
