Aircraft Destroyed After Refueling with Jet-A Instead of Aviation Gasoline (N5345J)

Summary

An aircraft was destroyed following a miscommunication during refueling that led to the use of the wrong fuel type. The pilot requested fuel from a fixed-base operator (FBO) but did not clearly specify the type required. FBO personnel misunderstood the request and refueled the aircraft with Jet-A instead of aviation-grade gasoline. The pilot did not monitor the refueling process and failed to notice the error on the fuel receipt. Additionally, the pilot did not detect the improper fuel during the preflight inspection.

Events

The aircraft departed and shortly after takeoff, the pilot radioed that he was returning to the airport due to a serious problem. Witnesses near the accident site reported observing the aircraft in a left bank of approximately 45° before it impacted in a densely wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Official Findings

The official investigation identified the following occurrences and contributing factors:

Occurrence #1: Loss of Engine Power (Partial) – Nonmechanical

• Improper fluid/fuel – The aircraft was fueled with Jet-A instead of aviation gasoline.
• Improper refueling – FBO personnel performed the refueling incorrectly.
• Information unclear (phraseology) – The pilot did not clearly communicate the fuel type needed.
• FBO personnel – Their actions contributed to the error.
• Refueling inattentive – The pilot did not monitor the refueling.
• Aircraft preflight inadequate – The pilot failed to identify the wrong fuel during preflight.

Occurrence #2: Forced Landing

• The aircraft experienced a forced landing during the descent phase of an emergency.

Occurrence #3: Inflight Collision with Object

• The aircraft collided with tree(s) during the emergency descent.

Occurrence #4: Fire/Explosion

• A fire and explosion occurred after impact.