Dual engine failure following takeoff

Casualties unknown • Hesperia, CA, US

Both engines failed shortly after takeoff, leading to an unrecoverable stall and subsequent accident.

What happened

Six weeks prior to the accident, the pilot was observed draining approximately one gallon of water from the aircraft's fuel tank. The aircraft remained grounded from that time until the day of the accident. On the day of the event, the pilot and a friend were seen refueling the unspecified aircraft using automobile gasoline.

The engines on this aircraft are not certified by the FAA for use with auto gas. Prior to takeoff, the pilot did not perform a pre-flight inspection or drain the fuel. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 150 feet AGL, both engines failed. Although the pilot had adequate landing options available, the aircraft was slowed in a nose-high attitude until it reached a stall condition. The altitude at which the stall occurred did not permit recovery.

Probable cause

The use of uncertified automobile gasoline and the failure to perform a pre-flight inspection or drain the fuel prior to takeoff led to dual engine failure and an unrecoverable stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-07-14 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Hesperia, CA?

Both engines failed shortly after takeoff, leading to an unrecoverable stall and subsequent accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-07-14 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N515TW, operated by Kbmm Radio, Inc., at Hesperia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The use of uncertified automobile gasoline and the failure to perform a pre-flight inspection or drain the fuel prior to takeoff led to dual engine failure and an unrecoverable stall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17573. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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