IMPORTANT ALERT -- Engine quits on takeoff due to undetectable water in fuel

[Skywalker]

Hello Guys
after hearing Ernie incident , i would highly recommend to install the Monarch fuel caps, ,specially if the plane is parked out side, believe me it will safe you lot of troubles, out of 160 squawks i had during my pre buy , few of them were related due to water in fuel system ,as back engine was not producing enough power among others and it took lot of time and money to resolve those issue and i have installed these caps now.
Dennis

[edasmus]

Nice job Ernie handling the emergency. I'm grateful all ended harmlessly. Very very fortunate indeed.

I would say water in my fuel is my biggest fear by far. So much so, I have managed to not have my airplane on a ramp in the rain. It sucks for sure. I wish I felt the same about my airplane getting rained on as I do my car but that has never been the case.

I've read this accident report several times on different occasions. One that sticks out in my mind is the C337 departing KPLK, Point Lookout (Branson), MO. The folks had been vacationing there and the airplane had been rained on during the week. Same exact scenario as your situation but if I recall correctly, both quit in that case. The airplane went off the end of the runway and down a steep embankment. It did not end like your case however.

Thanks for posting the information.

Ed

[hharney]

Originally Posted by Skywalker

Hello Guys
after hearing Ernie incident , i would highly recommend to install the Monarch fuel caps, ,specially if the plane is parked out side, believe me it will safe you lot of troubles, out of 160 squawks i had during my pre buy , few of them were related due to water in fuel system ,as back engine was not producing enough power among others and it took lot of time and money to resolve those issue and i have installed these caps now.
Dennis

Dennis, good call on the updated fuel caps, as our aging aircraft continue to grow old any new and better device is a positive.

Let me discuss one issue that some folks have had that the new caps will not fix. In the service port of our aircraft is an overflow tube that collects small amounts of overflow and allows the fuel to exit under the wing. These small tubes are also suppose to drain any water that may try to collect in this service port when the aircraft is stored in the elements. Everyone should test these drains to be sure they are not broken or cracked. If they are compromised you will not know unless you try this test. Take a small amount of fuel and pour it into the service port, with the fuel cap on, while the bottom of the tube under the wing is plugged. Either have someone pour the fuel while you hold your finger under the tube under the wing or plug the tube with something that will not harm the pipe. If the fuel pools in the service port then the tube is sealed and working correctly. If the fuel drains from the service port then there is a crack or the tube is broken inside the tank. This is how the water intrudes into the fuel cell. I have personally seen this on my airplane and have read from others that this has happened. In fact it was determined that the Skymaster departing Point Lookout in Branson, MO had this very issue. Check your tank drains folks and if you have a problem be very careful when you leave your aircraft in the elements.

[Skymaster337B]

Please submit an FAA safety report.

https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/?submit1=Continue

[n86121]

Having had some exciting moments just after I bought my 'thrasher, I realized the importance of those through wing drains.

Every time I was flying to Boston, the front engine would surge over Baltimore. I thought, "What is is about Baltimore my engine doesn't like?"

It was a thin bit of hidden water in the tank that took about 15 minutes in climb to hit the engine.

Ever since, I always intentionally drool a bit of fuel to make sure they are clear. If not, I always carry some 2 ft pipe cleaners bought on ebay, and clear the drains.

I consider blocked drains a no-go item until cleared.

[Skywalker]

Originally Posted by n86121

Having had some exciting moments just after I bought my 'thrasher, I realized the importance of those through wing drains.

Every time I was flying to Boston, the front engine would surge over Baltimore. I thought, "What is is about Baltimore my engine doesn't like?"

It was a thin bit of hidden water in the tank that took about 15 minutes in climb to hit the engine.

Ever since, I always intentionally drool a bit of fuel to make sure they are clear. If not, I always carry some 2 ft pipe cleaners bought on ebay, and clear the drains.

I consider blocked drains a no-go item until cleared.

-Hello thanks for the Tip ;pipe cleaner is next time in my ;list
Dennis

[wslade2]

Heavy rain lately . Checked my drains for the scuppers that fuel caps are located in and by George bug had made a home in one. Scupper was full of water but new gasket on cap held the water out. Pipe cleaner used to open up again. Worthy of ongoing attention to drains with water works going strong lately.