Beechcraft F33A N3122K

Summary

On 31 October 2002 at about 20:10 local time, a Beechcraft F33A registered N3122K was involved in an accident near Fernandina Bch, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 October 2002 at 20:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Fernandina Bch, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Fernandia Beach Municipal (55J)

Coordinates

30.6117, -81.4622

Aircraft

Beechcraft F33A

Registration

N3122K

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fernandina Bch → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL03LA012

1 person died.

Water contamination in the fuel system which resulted in the loss of engine power and the subsequent collision with trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the airframe and powerplant mechanic passenger, the airplane was on a maintenance test flight. After takeoff the airplane climbed to 2,500 feet, and experienced a loss of engine power. Attempts by the pilot to restore engine power were unsuccessful. While attempting to return to the airport the airplane collided into a wooded area short of runway 22. The pilot and mechanic exited the airplane. The airplane was consumed by post-crash fire. During the on scene engine examination approximately eight ounces of water was drained from the fuel selector. Examination of the fuel strainer found rust on the strainer spring, and heat damage on the internal rubber components. Approximately three ounces of water was drained from the sump during the on scene examination. The engine was removed and sent to Teledyne Continental Motors for further examination.The internal examination of the fuel pump found it to be damaged in the post-crash fire. There were heavy deposits of lacquer found in the internal vanes of the fuel pump that operate the pumping action. The fuel manifold was flow tested and it was found to be within operating parameters. The engine driven fuel pump could not be tested because it would not rotate.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.