On September 14, 1992, a Cessna 320 (registration N5754X) operated by Branham, John R. was involved in an aviation accident near Darlington, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER SERVICING OF THE AIRPLANE WITH CONTAMINATED FUEL BY THE OWNER PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After lift-off, both engines lost power. The pilot turned to avoid houses, striking electrical wires, then impacting the ground and sliding into an outbuilding. Fuel system contained oily, foul-smelling contaminant.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that both engines lost power at lift-off. To avoid nearby houses, the pilot executed a right turn. During the turn, the airplane collided with electrical transmission wires. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground and slid into an outbuilding adjacent to a residence.
Fuel System Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel system contained an oily, foul-smelling contaminant.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he had recently purchased 300 gallons of 100LL fuel from a local fixed base operator. The fuel was transported to the pilot's fuel farm on his airfield in a tank that he uses to mix chemicals for aerial application.