Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb phase of takeoff. The power loss occurred because the aircraft had been refueled with jet fuel instead of the required gasoline. The investigation determined that the misfueling was improper and attributed to personnel at the fixed-base operator (FBO). Additionally, the operator's management had provided inadequate training, and the aircraft's annunciator panel lights were found to be improper.
Forced Landing and Collision
After the engine failure, the pilot attempted a forced landing. During the approach, the aircraft entered a turn toward a landing area. The weather conditions at the time included instrument flight rules (IFR) with low ceiling, fog, and rain. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and was destroyed by a post-impact fire. All three occupants onboard were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified multiple contributing factors across several occurrences. The primary occurrence was the total loss of engine power due to nonmechanical causes, specifically improper fuel. Maintenance and service of the aircraft by FBO personnel were also improper. Inadequate training by the company or operator management was cited, as well as improper annunciator panel lights. During the forced landing, environmental factors included dark night, low ceiling, fog, and the presence of trees.
The sequence of events included the loss of engine power during takeoff, the ensuing forced landing, an in-flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering, and an uncontrolled descent leading to a second collision with terrain/water.