On September 21, 1997, a Champion 7ECA (registration N1817G) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairview, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel contamination, and the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane. A factor relating to the accident was: an inability to attain a proper touchdown point, which led to the runway overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported engine power loss after refueling from a drum. The aircraft overran the runway and struck a building. Investigation revealed large amounts of water in the fuel system.
Event Synopsis
A pilot conducting banner towing operations reported that he stopped to refuel after 2.5 hours of flight. Following refueling, the pilot departed and climbed to 250 feet above ground level (AGL), at which point the engine lost power. The pilot returned to the airport for an emergency landing. During the landing, the aircraft overran the available runway and subsequently struck a building.
Refueling and Inspection
An FAA inspector stated that the pilot had refueled from a 55-gallon drum and had taken fuel samples immediately after refueling. Subsequently, the inspector obtained fuel samples from the gascolator and the carburetor. Laboratory analysis of these samples found that both areas contained large amounts of water.
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