Harper W-8 TAILWIND N91323

Summary

On 13 October 1996 at about 16:35 local time, a Harper W-8 TAILWIND registered N91323 was involved in an accident near MacClenny, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 October 1996 at 16:35

Classification

Accident

Location

MacClenny, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Thrifts (NONE)

Coordinates

30.2801, -82.1209

Aircraft

Harper W-8 TAILWIND

Registration

N91323

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Herlong

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL97LA003

1 person was seriously injured.

the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot landed at a private airstrip and refueled with seven gallons of automotive fuel. After refueling the airplane, there was no record of the pilot checking for fuel contaminates in the fuel system. As the pilot taxied for takeoff, no aircraft problems were experienced. However, while climbing through 150 feet after takeoff, the pilot noted a rough engine condition followed by a loss of engine power. He elected to return to the airport for an emergency landing. Subsequently, the airplane collided with trees short of the airport. An examination of the airplane revealed contamination in the fuel system, which included rust/debris in the fuel tank, gasculator, carburetor inlet screen, and carburetor bowl. Examination of the engine (a surplus military Lycoming-Spencer O-290-G4) failed to disclose a mechanical problem.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.