Pilot Debrief

STOL LLC JA30 SUPERSTOL near West Union, SC — 2015-08-02

Final reportERA15CA295
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Date
2015-08-02
Location
West Union, SC, USA
Aircraft
STOL LLC JA30 SUPERSTOL
Registration
N556TW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power while maneuvering due to water contamination in the fuel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he and the passenger were nearing the conclusion of a local flight when the engine began to "sputter and run rough." The engine momentarily ran smooth before it began to run rough a second time, followed by a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing, and stated that engine power was restored just prior to impact with trees and terrain. The airplane came to rest upright, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. During a postaccident wreckage examination, a 1-quart fuel sample was drained from the airplane, and about half of the sample was water. The pilot stated that prior to the accident flight, he had mistakenly fueled the airplane from a container of contaminated fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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