Accident Overview
A recently purchased Aero Commander 500S, operated by two experienced pilots on a delivery flight from Portland, Oregon, to Bern, Switzerland, experienced a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; both pilots were uninjured.
Flight Details
The aircraft had completed several positioning legs before arriving at Rankin Inlet for refueling. It was refueled from two 45-gallon drums and was to continue to Iqaluit, Nunavut. The pilot-in-command occupied the right seat, while the pilot flying occupied the left seat. The aircraft was at its maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds.
Takeoff and Power Loss
During the pre-takeoff run-up, all indications appeared normal. However, during the takeoff roll, the engines did not produce full power, and the crew rejected the takeoff. After returning to the ramp, a second run-up was completed, again with normal indications. Shortly after the second rotation, cylinder head temperatures increased, and both Lycoming TIO-540-E1B5 engines began losing power. The pilots attempted to return to the airport but could not maintain altitude.
Forced Landing
The landing gear was extended, and a forced landing was made on a flat section of land approximately 1,500 feet southwest of the runway 13 threshold. There were no injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified multiple causes and contributing factors. At the fuel compound, a 45-gallon drum containing slops (contaminated fuel) was stored near sealed drums of 100LL AVGAS. The drum of slops had markings similar to the sealed drums, making identification difficult. The fuel handler selected the drum of slops in error and did not notice that the large bung plug on the second drum was unsealed. The pilots also failed to notice the unsealed bung and were inexperienced with refueling from 45-gallon drums; they did not verify the fuel grade. Consequently, slops were pumped into the aircraft's fuel system. The fuel system design allowed fuel from both wing cells to combine in the center cell, feeding contaminated fuel to both engines. The contaminated fuel caused power loss in both engines, preventing the aircraft from maintaining altitude after takeoff.
Additionally, the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) did not activate during the impact because the impact force angles differed substantially from the ELT's G-switch orientation, potentially delaying search and rescue notification.