Casualties unknown

Refueling Error Leads to Engine Power Loss After Takeoff (CGSCA)

St. Louis, MO, US

On January 10, 1984, a Douglas DC-3C (registration CGSCA) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Louis, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Jet-A fuel was added to the aircraft instead of the requested 100LL avgas. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, the PIC ordered refueling for a return flight. Two takeoff attempts were aborted due to slow performance. On the third attempt, the aircraft took off but both engines lost power after gear retraction, resulting in a forced landing and collision.

Flight Details

The pilot-in-command (PIC) placed a refueling order to fill the aircraft's two 210-gallon main tanks for a return flight to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After the cargo was unloaded and the aircraft was refueled, the aircrew prepared for departure.

Refueling and Takeoff Attempts

Two takeoff attempts were aborted due to slow aircraft performance. Engine run-ups were performed after each abort and reportedly checked normal. Following the second aborted takeoff, the aircrew contacted the fixed-base operator (FBO) and requested that the refueler be asked what type of fuel was added. The response was '100LL avgas.'

Accident Sequence

On the third attempt to depart, the aircraft took off, but both engines lost power as the landing gear was retracted. The aircrew selected a highway for an emergency landing. During the landing, the left wing struck a utility pole, then the aircraft went through a fence and impacted a highway embankment.

Investigation Findings

Investigation revealed that Jet-A fuel had been added to the aircraft rather than the requested 100LL fuel. The truck containing Jet-A fuel looked similar to the one with 100LL avgas but was properly designated with fuel grade markings.

Probable cause

Jet-A fuel was added to the aircraft instead of the requested 100LL avgas.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38648. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.