WALHALLA, S.C. — Shortly after takeoff from the factory airstrip on Aug. 2, Troy Woodland, co-founder of Just Aircraft, had to make an emergency landing. His engine quit due to the presence of water in the fuel tank, he reports.
He was over a lake adjacent to the factory and was climbing when he lost power, leaving him with few options in the hilly landscape.
He found a clearing for a new development that did not have any houses built yet, but the wing clipped a tree and the airplane was totaled.
Woodland and his passenger got out of the wreckage without a scratch. Their only injury was soreness from the shoulder straps, according to company officials.
Woodland had pre-flighted and flown the aircraft earlier in the day and added fuel just before takeoff.
It was learned later that the fuel he added had water in it. Right after takeoff he experienced a serious reduction in power, then a brief surge, after which the engine died.
Kind of makes me wonder if he fueled his airplane through his own dispensing system or gas cans.
If not, the fueling FBO or self serve provider have plenty splainin’ to do.
Bottom line as Mark C says—ALWAYS wait a minimum of 5 minutes after refueling and then sump the tanks.
I hate the term “Pilot Error”, but it applies in this case
Which is why my instructor taught me to always sump the fuel 5 minutes after fueling.