The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released their preliminary report after a single-engine plane crashed upside down in Hastings, Florida earlier this month.
The report states that the wrong type of fuel may have played a part in the crash noting that, "About 10 gallons were estimated by state environmental responders to have spilled on the ground. The fuel had a blue tint; however, it had an odor consistent with automotive fuel."
According to officials, the crash occurred around 7:40 a.m. on July 14 in the Southwest area of St. Johns County near Barrel Factory and Leonard Roads.
The NTSB report states that the plane was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff from the Earle Airpark in Hastings. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries but did survive.
According to a witness, the plane took off and flew over a creek at the far end of the runway in a shallow climb and may have struck corn stalks in the field on the far side of the creek. They say the airplane then made a 180° turn back toward the runway before it hit trees.
The witness estimated that the airplane climbed no higher than about 100 feet.
The airplane came to rest upside down with both wings separated from the fuselage.
On Your Side spoke to the woman who lives on the property where the crash happened. She declined to be interviewed, but she said she was gardening when she heard a loud noise and a "boom." She turned and saw one of the passengers calling for help from the door of the plane.
According to officials, 62-year-old Joseph Linebach of Satsuma Florida was flying the 1957 Cessna model PA 22 plane when it crashed.