CEN20LA322

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.

On August 2, 2020, about 1855 central daylight time, a Quad City Challenger II Special airplane, N990SS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Jonesboro, Louisiana. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported a “normal runup and takeoff.” He circled back over the airstrip; however, after rolling out of the turn, he heard a “loud pop and the engine immediately quit.” 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. Witnesses heard the engine “backfire” and then it seemed to lose power. The airplane entered a gliding right turn, apparently attempting to return to the airport; however, they lost sight of it when it descended below the tree line. 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 informed investigators that the airplane was fueled before the flight. The fuel was stored in his hangar and was between 10 and 12 months old. The pilot reported that he did not hold any level of pilot certificate. A review of Federal Aviation Administration records revealed no record of the pilot, who was also the airplane owner, holding any type of pilot, mechanic, or repairman certificate. Additionally, he reported that the airplane condition inspection was “owner inspected.” The operating limitations issued for the airplane required that the condition inspection be completed by a repairman for the airplane, or by an appropriately rated certificated mechanic.