NTSB Factual Report

On September 25, 2006, at 1829 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 14-13-2, N74475, registered to a private individual and operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Ellijay, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot reported minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Pickens County Airport in Jasper, Georgia, on September 25, 2006 at 1815.

According to the pilot, he flew over his residence and was heading back to the airport at about 3,200 feet mean sea level when the engine lost power. He said he was able to restart it several times, but it would only run for a few seconds each time. He chose a field to do a forced landing in but did not have enough altitude to clear a tree line. The airplane collided with the trees and came to rest inverted in a private residential driveway. The pilot egresses the airplane with only a minor head injury.

Examination of the wreckage by an FAA Inspector found the airplane inverted with both wings partially separated. The airplane was recovered and a subsequent examination of the engine was performed on October 5, 2006. Present during the examination was an FAA Inspector and an NTSB Investigator.

Examination of the engine assembly revealed the engine remained intact and attached to the engine mounts. The propeller was rotated by hand and engine continuity was established through to the accessory section. Closer examination of the engine compartment found that the airplane was equipped with an automotive starter relay, automotive battery and an automotive fuel boost pump. Additionally, automotive fuel was observed in the fuel tanks and fuel lines. The pilot confirmed that he operated the airplane using automotive fuel. Examination of the logbooks found no approvals for the use of automotive fuel. Further examination of the fuel system including disassembly of the carburetor, gascolator and boost pump found contamination of both the gascolator and boost pump. The contamination consisted of insect parts and a sandy substance similar to dirt. The sandy substance was observed caked and blocking the stand pipe in the fuel gascolator. Examination of the engine logbooks found that the airplane had received an annual inspection on August 19, 2006, and had logged 4.4 hours since that inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Also causal was the mechanic's failure to ensure the aircraft's fuel system was free of contamination while performing an annual inspection.