Accident Overview
On June 22, 2008, at approximately 0805 eastern daylight time, an Aero Vodochody Aero Works L-29 Delfin, registration N29DJ, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after experiencing a total loss of engine power during the climb following takeoff from Millville Municipal Airport (MIV), Millville, New Jersey. The pilot, a certificated private pilot, and a passenger were killed. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions with no flight plan filed, operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The aircraft was originally built as a Czech military jet trainer and held an experimental exhibition category certificate.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses reported observing the airplane depart from runway 28. One witness noted that the engine sounded abnormally loud during taxi, run-up, and takeoff. The airplane climbed to an estimated altitude between 700 and 1,000 feet and began a left turn. As the aircraft became abeam the approach end of runway 10, the loud engine sound ceased. Seconds later, the left wing dropped and the airplane entered a left spiraling spin, descending below the tree line. The wreckage was located in a wooded area approximately 1 mile southwest of the airport. No postcrash fire occurred.
Examination Findings
During an on-site examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector on June 27, 2008, the engine's compressor and power turbine were consistent with low rpm. Fuel samples taken from the main fuel filter housing drain appeared reddish-gray, contaminated with black sediment, and extremely cloudy. The fuel filter itself showed evidence of contamination. Fuel lines from the filter to the high-pressure pump, fuel servo, and fuel nozzles were empty of any fuel. A fuel odor was present at the scene, and red-tinted fuel was observed in the main tanks.
Witnesses reported that the pilot had refueled the airplane from a tank mounted on a pickup truck. Fuel receipts from the day before the accident indicated the purchase of approximately 138 gallons of kerosene, 6 gallons of off-road diesel, and 27 gallons of diesel fuel.
Additional Data
Data retrieved from a handheld Garmin 296 GPS receiver recovered from the wreckage showed the airplane reached a maximum speed of 145 miles per hour and a maximum altitude of 847 feet.
The airplane was purchased by the pilot in June 2007 and registered under a Limited Liability Company. No maintenance records were located. A preflight inspection checklist for the aircraft included discharging two liters of fuel from the fuel filter drain to check for contamination.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported 20,000 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA second-class medical certificate, dated August 29, 2007. Autopsies performed on June 24, 2008, listed the cause of death for both occupants as multiple blunt trauma. Toxicological testing for the pilot was negative for drugs and alcohol.
Weather Conditions
A weather observation at MIV at 0754 reported variable winds at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 24°C, dew point 19°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of mercury.