Pilot Debrief

QUAD CITY CHALLENGER near Jonesboro, LA — 2020-08-02

Final reportCEN20LA322
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Date
2020-08-02
Location
Jonesboro, LA, USA
Airport
F88
Aircraft
QUAD CITY CHALLENGER
Registration
N990SS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

Loss of engine power due to the use of improper fuel in the airplane by the non-certificated pilot.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported that there was a “loud pop” and immediate loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. He was unable to return to the airstrip and executed a forced landing to a wooded area. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The airplane was fueled before the flight; however, the fuel had been stored in the pilot’s hangar and was between 10 and 12 months old. A postrecovery engine examination did not identify any anomalies associated with the engine assembly. Fuel remaining in the carburetor bowls exhibited a dark yellow color consistent with stale automotive gasoline. The pilot’s lack of training and experience with respect to airplane operations likely contributed to his decision to use old, automotive fuel in the airplane. It is likely that the engine lost power due to the old fuel in the fuel system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Using fresh fuel instead of stale automotive gasoline before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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