BEECH 58 near Palo Alto, CA — 2021-09-13

Probable cause

The fuelers addition of the incorrect fuel to the fuel tanks which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, about 500 ft above the ground, both engines lost power. A forced landing was subsequently initiated to an open area. During the landing, the left wing collided with a wooden post and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preacccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was fueled before the flight. The fueler reported that he incorrectly fueled the airplane with Jet A fuel instead of Avgas. He added that he did not notice the “Avgas only” label adjacent to the fuel port, and that he did not follow the company’s fueling checklist while fueling the accident airplane.

NTSB coding

• Wrong fuel · Prior to flight

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• FUELING LOGBOOK ENTRY ON DAY OF ACCIDENTother
• RECORD OF CONVERSATION - FUELERother
• RECORD OF CONVERSATION - PILOTother
• ACCIDENT PHOTOSphotos

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