Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, an aircraft departed from runway 03 at Rochester City Airport. During the climb to 900 feet, the left engine gradually lost power. The pilot responded by increasing power on the right engine and feathering the left propeller. After crossing the M2 highway at a speed of 100 knots, the pilot anticipated a return to the airfield. However, the right engine subsequently lost power as well.
Emergency Landing
With both engines inoperative, the pilot attempted an emergency landing adjacent to the motorway. The aircraft crash-landed at a speed of 85 knots and eventually came to rest. The impact caused the aircraft to sustain damage beyond repair. All four occupants were injured.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause: the accident resulted from kerosene being introduced into the petrol supply at Rochester City Airport. The aircraft had been refueled with the contaminated mixture. This led to a loss of engine power after takeoff, forcing a landing on unsuitable terrain. The loss of engine power was attributed to engine damage caused by operation on contaminated fuel.