On September 1, 1984, a Champion 7FC (registration N7580E) operated by Douglas F. Sweet was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Drum, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An uncertificated pilot experienced a power loss during takeoff, leading to a collision with a power line and the ground. The pilot attributed the power loss to water in the fuel, and the aircraft was operated on automobile fuel. The pilot's ATP certificate was suspended.
Incident Overview
An aircraft collided with a power line and subsequently struck the ground after losing power during takeoff. The pilot operating the aircraft was not certificated. According to a passenger, the pilot attributed the power loss to water contamination in the fuel. The aircraft was being operated on automobile fuel.
Pilot's Communication
Attempts to contact the pilot have been unsuccessful. However, in a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot stated that he was using automotive gasoline for the flight. During pre-flight inspection, he reported draining eight cups of water from the fuel system. The pilot also noted that the carburetor 'settlement bulb' still contained beads of water when observed during pre-flight.
Pilot Certification Status
The pilot further disclosed in the letter that his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate had been suspended due to a medical problem.