NTSB Factual Report

On August 23, 2003, about 1215 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, N40PA, operated and owned by an individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with trees during a forced landing near Panama City, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot reported no injuries and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight had departed from the Panama City Airport, Panama City, Florida, earlier that day, at an unspecified time.

While maneuvering the airplane, the pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing in a dirt field, impacted with trees at the approach end of the field, and nosed into the ground. Fuel was found at the crash site, and the pilot told investigators that he had refueled the airplane 6 days before the accident with 93 octane automobile gas.

The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who responded to the accident stated the aircraft was utilizing 93 octane automobile gasoline by the current owner. Particles of the sealant used in the wet wing of the airplane were found throughout the wing tanks, electric-driven fuel pump, and carburetor.

Piper Aircraft Corporation service bulletin number 855, dated January 14, 1987, outlines the concerns with respect to the use of automotive type gasoline in Piper airplanes. In summary, the use of automotive fuels is prohibited in Piper Airplanes.

A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report was not received.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow the airplane manufacturer's recommendation to not use automobile fuel in the airplane resulting in deterioration of the fuel tank sealant, fuel starvation of the engine from fuel system contamination, and subsequent collision with trees during a force landing.