On April 21, 1997, a Grumman G-164B (registration N6601Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Ackerman, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power was caused by water contamination in the fuel system, resulting from an improper fuel filter installed in the refueling tanker trailer, provided by the fuel filter supplier. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff, leading to a forced landing in trees. Investigation revealed water contamination in the airplane's fuel system, traced to a faulty fuel filter in the refueling tanker.
Incident Details
During the initial climb after takeoff at approximately 400 feet, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing in an area with trees, resulting in damage to the airplane.
Findings
Examination of the airplane's fuel system revealed the presence of water contamination. Further investigation of the refueling source—a fuel tanker trailer (auger truck)—also showed contaminated fuel containing water.
The contamination was determined to be the result of an improper fuel filter installed in the tanker trailer. This filter had been supplied by the fuel filter supplier.
Conclusion
The chain of events leading to the partial power loss and forced landing was directly linked to the water-contaminated fuel, which originated from the improperly filtered refueling source.
Probable cause
The partial loss of engine power was caused by water contamination in the fuel system, resulting from an improper fuel filter installed in the refueling tanker trailer, provided by the fuel filter supplier.