Incident Overview
A two-pilot aircraft experienced engine roughness shortly after departure, leading the pilot to declare an emergency and request a precautionary landing. The pilot landed on Savannah's Highway 516, where the aircraft collided with a road sign, lost control, skidded into a guard rail, and flipped over.
Flight and Emergency
Prior to the incident, the pilot had contacted Savannah Approach Control to inquire about fuel availability at various airports. After declaring an emergency, the pilot landed at Hunter Army Air Field. Upon landing, the pilot taxied to a remote area of the airport and removed handmade fuel lines that connected three six-gallon tanks to the left wing tank. These extra tanks had been stored where the rear seat was originally installed. The pilot did not refuel the aircraft before taking off from Hunter Army Air Field.
During the subsequent flight, the engine began to run rough. The pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing on Highway 516. During the landing, the aircraft hit a road sign, the pilot lost control, and the aircraft skidded into a guard rail, ultimately flipping over.
Post-Landing Findings
Two pilots were aboard the aircraft. Both repeatedly changed their accounts regarding their identities and the events leading up to the accident. An FAA examiner determined that the aircraft's right wing contained approximately fifteen gallons of automotive fuel, while the left wing had no fuel. The examiner also stated that the aircraft appeared to have been configured for the transportation of unauthorized material.