Pilot Debrief

Rockwell 500 near Aniak, AK — 2020-05-29

Final reportANC20LA050
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Date
2020-05-29
Location
Aniak, AK, USA
Aircraft
Rockwell 500
Registration
N909AK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the use of improper fuel. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and ground personnel to ensure that the airplane was serviced with the proper fuel.

NTSB narrative

After landing at the airport, the pilot had ground service personnel refuel the airplane. According to the fueler, he queried the pilot if he wanted Prist with his jet fuel, which the pilot replied, “No.” After completing the refueling process, he returned to his truck, wrote "Jet A" in the meter readings section of the prepared receipt, and presented it to the pilot for his signature. The pilot said that shortly after takeoff, he noticed a reduction in climb performance, and the airplane's engines began to lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, he selected an area of shallow water-covered terrain as a forced landing site. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane, which was equipped with reciprocating engines, had been inadvertently serviced with Jet A turbine fuel. A slightly degraded placard near the fuel port on the top of the wing stated, in part: "FUEL 100/100LL MINIMUM GRADE AVIATION GASOLINE ONLY CAPACITY 159.6 US GALLONS." In an interview, the fueler who serviced the airplane stated that he did not see a fuel placard near the fueling port.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured correct fuel type before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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