Casualties unknown

Engine Failure After Takeoff Due to Jet-A Fueling Error (N89PB)

Naples, FL, US

On September 8, 1984, a Cessna 402C (registration N89PB) operated by Provincetown-boston Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Naples, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadvertent refueling of the aircraft with Jet-A fuel instead of 100 low lead avgas due to identical fuel trucks and inadequate lineman training. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An aircraft was destroyed after both engines lost power shortly after takeoff, leading to a wheels-up landing. Investigation revealed it was inadvertently refueled with Jet-A instead of Avgas, due to identical-looking fuel trucks and inadequate lineman training.

Background

A lineman at the fueling facility was tasked with refueling aircraft. His training consisted of approximately 30 minutes of reading the company maintenance manual on refueling procedures for different company aircraft, followed by a brief period of on-the-job training.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff, both engines lost power. The pilot executed a wheels-up landing in an open field. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire.

Investigation

An investigation revealed that the aircraft had been refueled with Jet-A fuel instead of the required 100 low lead avgas. The lineman had inadvertently used the Jet-A fuel truck, which was identical to the Avgas truck except for a decal approximately 4 feet by 16 inches identifying the fuel type. When the lineman went to refuel the aircraft prior to the accident flight, he proceeded to the parking space where the Avgas truck was normally parked. On that occasion, however, the Jet-A fuel truck was in that space.

Probable cause

Inadvertent refueling of the aircraft with Jet-A fuel instead of 100 low lead avgas due to identical fuel trucks and inadequate lineman training.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41141. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.