Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL Accident Number: ERA24FA300
Date & Time: July 10, 2024, 14:10 Local Registration: N81250
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-161 Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
On July 10, 2024, about 1410 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N81250, was
substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Palm Beach, Florida. The
flight instructor and private pilot were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14
Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
According to preliminary air traffic control information obtained from the Federal Aviation
Administration, the airplane departed Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ),
Sarasota, Florida at 1121. The airplane flew east over Satellite Beach, and performed
maneuvers over the ocean before flying to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB),
Melbourne, Florida, where it performed a touch and go landing at 1247. The airplane then flew
south to North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida,
where it performed a touch and go landing. During the subsequent takeoff, the airplane
reached an altitude of 75 ft above ground level (agl), made a right turn and was 25 ft agl above
a pond at the last recorded data point.
A witness at the airport stated that he observed an airplane perform a touch and go landing on
runway 27L. The airplane took off, performed a 180° descending right turn and disappeared
behind trees. He then heard the airplane splash into water. He and another person drove to the
pond to render assistance.
The airplane was located in a pond about 600 ft to the right of the departure end of runway
27L. The airplane was submerged in about 15 ft of water. The right wing was impact separated
and located on the north side of the pond. Flight control cable continuity was confirmed
throughout the main wreckage. The stabilator trim actuator was found with 0.6 inches of
extension on the top side of the drum, which corresponded to a partial nose down trim
position.
Page 1 of 3 ERA24FA300
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
The fuel selector valve was found on the right tank and was in a tactile detent for that position.
The valve was functionally tested in both the left and right tank selected positions. Low
pressure air was successfully flowed in both positions from the wing roots through the
selector valve and to the fuel strainer. Additionally, both fuel tank vent lines were unobstructed.
The electric fuel pump was removed and functioned when powered with a 12-volt power
source.
Approximately 12 to 14 gallons of fuel consistent with 100-LL aviation gasoline was found in
the left main fuel tank. The main fuel tank in the separated right wing contained water.
The engine remained attached to the fuselage through the tubular mount. The mount was
impact damaged and the engine was tilted nose down about 20°. The engine cowling was not
present. The induction air box was crushed, and the induction air filter was not observed. The
exhaust system was impact damaged, but not obstructed. The engine was partially
disassembled to facilitate additional examination. Water drained from the engine cylinders
when the lower spark plugs were removed. Water and oil drained from the oil sump drain when
it was opened.
The crankshaft was rotated by turning the propeller and continuity of the crankshaft to the rear
gears and to the valve train was confirmed. Compression and suction were attained from all
four cylinders. The interiors of the cylinders were observed using a lighted borescope and no
damage was noted.
The propeller remained attached to the engine crankshaft flange. The propeller spinner was
impact damaged. No damage was noted to one of the two propeller blades. The other
propeller blade was bent aft about 5°degrees, about 6 inches from the blade tip.
The carburetor remained attached to the engine. The carburetor air box and carburetor heat
valve were partially crushed. The throttle cable remained attached to the carburetor throttle
control arm. The arm was observed against the full throttle stop.
Both electronic magnetos remained attached to the engine. Power was applied to both
electronic magnetos. One tower of the left magneto produced spark when the magneto drive
was rotated by hand. The right magneto produced no spark when rotated by hand. Water
drained from both magnetos when the distributor covers were removed. Both magnetos were
set aside to dry overnight. Both magnetos were powered the following morning and rotated
using an electric drill. Neither magneto produced spark from any electrode tower.
According to a mechanic, on or about July 2, 2024, he removed the airplane’s previously
installed Lycoming O-320-D3G engine and installed a Lycoming O-320-D2B. He further
converted the engine to a O-320-D2A by replacing the Bendix magnetos with Slick magnetos.
The owner of the airplane then supplied the mechanic with two Surefly, electronic ignition
modules, which were installed under a supplemental type certificate (STC) which also required
the installation of a backup battery system.
Page 2 of 3 ERA24FA300
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Piper Registration: N81250
Model/Series: PA-28-161 Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file Operating Certificate(s) None
Held:
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PBI,21 ft msl Observation Time: 14:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C /26°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5000 ft AGL Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 14000 ft AGL Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Sarasota, FL (SRQ) Destination: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal Latitude, Longitude: 26.843908,-80.208463
Administrative Information
Investigator In Charge (IIC): Boggs, Daniel
Additional Participating Persons: Mike Torrent; FAA South Florida FSDO; Miramar, FL
Mike Childers; Lycoming ; Atlanta, GA
Kris Wetherell; Piper; Vero Beach, FL
Investigation Class: Class 3
Note:
Page 3 of 3 ERA24FA300
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
