On April 30, 1983, a Beech A36 (registration N7036G) was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, an aircraft lost engine power during climb. The pilot turned back but could not reach the runway, landing on a street. The aircraft hit telephone lines, crashed, and struck a vehicle. Investigation found water and contaminants in the fuel system.
Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, as the aircraft climbed through approximately 400 to 500 feet above ground level, the engine began losing power. The pilot activated the fuel boost pump and initiated a turn back toward the airport. Realizing he could not reach the runway, he elected to land on a street. During the approach, the aircraft collided with telephone lines and crash-landed in the street. Before coming to rest, the left wing of the aircraft struck a vehicle.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed approximately one pint of water and other contaminants drained from the left wing fuel tank. The right wing tank contained minor foreign contaminants. The fuel selector was found positioned to the right main wing tank, and its screen contained extensive foreign contaminants. The engine-driven fuel pump inlet line, carburetor inlet line, and carburetor filter screen contained water and other foreign contaminants. There was evidence that corrosion particles had collected in excess of a year and that the fuel strainer and valve had not been inspected for over a year.