The pilot and passenger were nearing the conclusion of a local flight when the JA30 Superstol’s engine began to “sputter and run rough.”
The engine momentarily ran smooth before it began to run rough a second time, followed by a total loss of power.
The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing, and stated that engine power was restored just prior to the plane hitting trees and terrain near West Union, S.C. The airplane came to rest upright, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
During a post-accident wreckage examination, a one-quart fuel sample was drained from the airplane, and about half of the sample was water.
The pilot stated that prior to the accident flight, he had mistakenly fueled the airplane from a container of contaminated fuel.
Probable cause: A loss of engine power while maneuvering due to water contamination in the fuel.
NTSB Identification: ERA15CA295
This August 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Learn from the misfortune of others
Sign up now to receive NTSB Accident Reports and GA news in your email inbox. Join 110,000+ fellow aviators.
Paul says
August 2, 2017 at 8:03 pmDuh! One can only assume this pilot had his head where the sun never shines if he failed to do a basic sump check before takeoff. There had to be a significant amount of water that would have been caught during the check had it been done. People like this should have their licenses revoked for a minimum period of time, like one year, for being so blatantly stupid and furthering the notion that GA is replete with dumb people licensed to practice their lack of good judgement until they end up in a heap somewhere on the ground possibly on top of some unsuspecting soul.
B.C. Air says
August 2, 2017 at 8:37 amWhy would you knowingly put contaminated fuel is the tanks? There are better/safer ways to practice emergency landings.
geebigs says
August 2, 2017 at 7:22 amHe should be made to work on a fuel station for a year and his paycheck given to a local wounded vets org.
Mark says
August 1, 2017 at 10:52 amThe FAA should create a page where you can fill in all your credentials and opt to voluntarily have all pilot privileges revoked.