On March 23, 1981, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N3641U) operated by Cooper Wood Products was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional/Woodrum Field, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure or malfunction due to improperly serviced aircraft by ground crew. Contributing factors: improper fuel grade, evasive maneuver to avoid collision, inadequate supervision/training of ramp crews, forced landing off airport on land, aircraft… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot was killed when both engines failed during climb after takeoff. Investigators found improper fueling by a ground crew member, citing fuel grade error and inadequate supervision.
Accident Overview
After departure from Roanoke-Woodrum Field, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in both engines while climbing. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed in a location near the airport. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation concluded that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure or malfunction resulting from improper servicing of the aircraft by ground crew personnel. Multiple contributing factors were identified.
Contributing Factors
Among the contributing factors reported were the use of an improper fuel grade during refueling, an evasive maneuver initiated to avoid a collision, and inadequate supervision and training of ramp crews. The aircraft had been refueled on March 8 with 100LL aviation gasoline and on March 20 with Jet A fuel; both refueling events were performed by the same individual, who was working overtime due to the illness of a supervisor. The forced landing occurred off the airport on land.