What happened
Prior to takeoff, the pilot and his brother-in-law decided to refuel the aircraft using automotive gasoline. They added approximately 20 gallons of this non-aviation fuel into the aircraft's tanks. According to the brother-in-law, who assisted with the process, the fuel level was below the filler neck tabs during the operation.
The flight proceeded for about three hours before the pilot realized there was an issue. He radioed a mayday call, explicitly stating that he was out of fuel. Shortly after this transmission, the aircraft struck trees located less than two miles from McCollum Airport.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed significant findings regarding the fuel system. Investigators inspected the aircraft tanks and confirmed that no fuel was found in them at the time of the crash. This absence of fuel corroborated the pilot's mayday transmission regarding fuel exhaustion.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the use of an incorrect fuel type. The addition of automotive gasoline, which lacks the necessary additives and properties of aviation fuel, contributed directly to the engine failure. The subsequent fuel exhaustion left the aircraft without power, leading to the collision with trees.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that only approved aviation-grade fuel is used in their aircraft. Using automotive fuels can lead to catastrophic engine failure and loss of control.