Accident Overview
The pilot of a turbine-powered C45-H aircraft encountered a failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff. The failure was attributed to fuel contamination. Following the engine failure, the pilot executed a forced landing off the departure end of the runway.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
During the forced landing, the right engine continued to develop power, as evidenced by propeller signatures and damage sustained during ground contact. The aircraft came to rest off the runway.
Fuel Contamination Investigation
Post-accident fuel analysis identified sand and fiber contamination in the fuel system. The pilot had refueled the aircraft just before the flight, but the source of the contamination could not be determined.