What happened
Following a refueling process conducted by a ground loader using an airport fuel truck, the aircraft began its takeoff roll. Shortly after departing the runway, the right engine suffered a loss of power, causing the right wing to drop to an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in the area adjacent to the runway.
During the accident, 16 fatalities occurred, which included both members of the flight crew. Additionally, six injuries were reported among the skydivers on board.
Findings
An investigation into the fuel system revealed that the forward fuel tank, which supplies the right engine, contained roughly 8 gallons of highly contaminated fuel. This mixture consisted of water, bacterial growth, and an emulsifying agent. This same contamination was present in both the airport fuel truck and the main underground storage tank. It was noted that the fuel had been moved from the underground tank to the truck the previous evening.
Further technical findings indicated that the left propeller control had become stuck in the feather position, with the left propeller blades positioned near feather. It was also observed that the flight crew did not perform a sump test of the fuel tanks following the refueling operation.