On June 1, 1982, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N1233L) operated by Professional Contractors Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Rockport, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a forced landing on a road following a partial power loss on takeoff, the pilot maneuvered to avoid a car, struck a road sign with the right wing, and entered a ditch. A fuel sample later revealed five percent jet fuel contamination.
Incident Summary
A pilot experienced a partial loss of power during takeoff, necessitating a forced landing on a road. As the aircraft descended, a car pulled out onto the road ahead, prompting the pilot to maneuver to the right to avoid a collision. During this evasive action, the right wing struck a road sign, causing the aircraft to swerve into an adjacent ditch.
Post-Event Examination
Following the incident, the pilot took a fuel sample from the fuel tank. An independent laboratory analysis revealed that the sample contained five percent jet fuel, indicating contamination of the aviation gasoline.