Plane that crashed in Spokane may have used wrong fuel, report says

Inspectors who responded to the scene of a single-engine plane crash Sunday were concerned the plane may have been flying with the wrong type of fuel, according to a report from the state Department of Ecology.

The pilot, Michael Clements, crashed his Piper Malibu Mirage north of East Sprague Avenue at Erie Street, near the Hamilton Street bridge over the Spokane River. He had just taken off from Felts Field.

Clements was unconscious when removed from the plane and died Tuesday afternoon at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Department of Ecology inspectors were called to the scene because of the fuel spill, and noted a strong smell of “Jet A diesel fuel” in the air. Those inspectors did not take fuel samples from the scene, Department of Ecology spokeswoman Brook Beeler said Wednesday.

According to the report, Chris Cowgill, the FAA aviation safety inspector, expressed concern that the plane may have been running on jet fuel when it takes aviation fuel.

Both types of fuel are sold at Felts Field by Western Aviation, the field’s fuel concessionaire.

Jet fuel is run in planes with gas-turbine engines. The Mirage has a piston-powered engine, according to the manufacturer’s website.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash and has not yet released preliminary findings.

Western Aviation responded to questions about how they dispensed fuel at Felts with a statement: “Western Aviation would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the pilot’s family and everyone involved in this tragedy. We are currently cooperating with the NTSB and FAA in providing any information that may help determine the cause of the accident.”