Pilot lands on highway after power loss during touch-and-go

Casualties unknown • Brewer, ME, US

A pilot experienced partial engine power loss during a climbout at Brewer Airport and landed on an unopened highway section, striking power lines before the aircraft flipped over.

What happened

The pilot had previously utilized automotive gasoline in the aircraft but discontinued its use due to water contamination issues. While at an airport requiring refueling, the only available fuel was automotive gasoline, so the pilot refueled the aircraft with this fuel. During a touch-and-go maneuver at Brewer Airport, the pilot experienced a partial power loss during the climbout phase at an altitude of 700 to 800 feet above ground level.

The pilot decided to land on an unopened section of a nearby highway. Just prior to touchdown, the pilot noticed a set of power lines in the flight path. The aircraft dove to pass under the power lines and struck the road surface hard enough to bounce back into the air. The pilot then lost control of the aircraft, which descended to the left side.

The aircraft flipped over upon final touchdown. No further mechanical examination or investigation details were provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-04-02 Piper PA-11 accident near Brewer, ME?

A pilot experienced partial engine power loss during a climbout at Brewer Airport and landed on an unopened highway section, striking power lines before the aircraft flipped over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-04-02 involved a Piper PA-11, registration N5082H, at Brewer, ME.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33397. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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