SERS · Aero Commander 500-S · 2005-02-28 · San Juan, PR, USA
Event
NTSB number
ANC05FA038
Event ID
20050314X00309
Type
Accident
Date
2005-02-28
Location
San Juan, PR, USA
Coordinates
18.439167, -66.101669
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
3
Minor
4
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
7
Aircraft
Make
Aero Commander
Model
500-S
Registration
N97VB
FAR Part
135
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The fuel truck operator's improper refueling of a gasoline engine powered airplane with jet (turbine) fuel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight, which resulted in a loss of power in both engines and subsequent collision with trees. Factors associated with the accident were the unclear communications between the Spanish-speaking fuel truck operator and the English-speaking pilot, and the fuel truck operator's lack of familiarity with the accident airplane's fueling requirements. An additional factor was the absence of the required placards adjacent to the fuel filler caps indicating that only gasoline (av-gas) should be used.