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NTSB Report
September 24, 1991 · Piper PA-31-350 · N5SL
Columbus, NE
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (7 uninjured)
Location
Columbus, NE
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N5SL
Operator
Sand Livestock
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA273
THE TWIN ENGINE (PISTON) AIRPLANE LOST ALL POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A CULTIVATED FIELD. THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN FUELED THE PREVIOUS NIGHT BY A REFUELER WHO THOUGHT THE AIRPLANE WAS TURBINE POWERED AND SUBSEQUENTLY PUT JET FUEL IN THE TANKS.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER REFUELING BY GROUND PERSONNEL AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE TWIN ENGINE (PISTON) AIRPLANE LOST ALL POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A CULTIVATED FIELD. THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN FUELED THE PREVIOUS NIGHT BY A REFUELER WHO THOUGHT THE AIRPLANE WAS TURBINE POWERED AND SUBSEQUENTLY PUT JET FUEL IN THE TANKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:50 CDT
Nearest AirportMunicipal (2nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN5SL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSand Livestock
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-J2B · Reciprocating · 350
Seats8
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (7 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured7
Total7
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 15 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC