Casualties unknown

1995-06-27: Cessna 404 (N36998) — Alamosa, CO

Alamosa, CO, US

On June 27, 1995, a Cessna 404 (registration N36998) was involved in an aviation accident near Alamosa, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FBO PERSONNEL IMPROPERLY SERVICED THE AIRCRAFT WITH JET FUEL. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot requested 100-LL aviation gasoline but Jet-A fuel was mistakenly used. Both engines failed after takeoff, leading to a wheels-up forced landing.

Introduction and Refueling

A pilot requested that a lineman service an airplane with 50 gallons of 100-LL aviation gasoline. The lineman proceeded with the fueling. After the airplane was refueled, the pilot drained the fuel sumps and observed a clear, blue-colored fuel that smelled like gasoline. The pilot also noted that the fuel truck used for servicing was not equipped with a jet fuel nozzle; instead, it utilized a straight tip nozzle.

Takeoff and Power Loss

The airplane departed. Shortly after takeoff, both engines lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport by turning the airplane around. However, the engines did not regain power, and the airplane could not sustain altitude.

Forced Landing

Unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed an intentional wheels-up forced landing. The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted, resulting in damage from contact with the ground.

Post-Accident Statements

After the incident, both the fixed base operator and the lineman stated that the airplane had been inadvertently serviced with Jet-A fuel instead of the requested 100-LL aviation gasoline. The pilot had not detected the discrepancy during the preflight check. The fuel truck's nozzle configuration was noted as a potential oversight in the fueling process.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03721. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.