Incident Summary
An aircraft departed on an IFR flight in minimal weather conditions, including low ceiling and fog. During the takeoff roll, a power loss occurred on the right engine, causing the aircraft to veer right. The pilot-in-command, seated in the left seat, initiated an aborted takeoff. However, the right-seat pilot took control, continued the takeoff, and feathered the right propeller.
Sequence of Events
Both pilots observed smoke coming from the engines on their respective sides. Both believed the landing gear had retracted, but investigation later revealed it remained extended. The aircraft could not maintain altitude, and the pilots elected to ditch in the ocean. All three occupants escaped uninjured.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft had been serviced with 147 gallons of Jet fuel instead of Avgas at 0445 hours by an FBO lineman. The lineman had three weeks of total experience, with 1.5 hours of video training, and was working two jobs seven days per week. The official probable cause findings include: improper fluid grade, improper maintenance service by FBO personnel, fatigue and lack of experience in type operation by FBO personnel, inadequate surveillance by company/operator management, the pilot-in-command's attempted aborted takeoff and improper relinquishing of control, the copilot's failure to abort the takeoff and improper emergency procedure (propeller feathering selected), and weather conditions of low ceiling and fog. The light condition was dark night.