NTSB: Fuel Contamination Linked to Fatal Grumman Cougar Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board issued its final report on the February 2024 crash of Grumman GA-7 Cougar N887CC near Coatesville-Chester County Airport in Pennsylvania. The pilot, operating under Part 91, was killed when the twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Runway 29 at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Investigators discovered fuel contamination in the right-side engine systems, according to the NTSB report. Samples from the sump tank, engine-driven pump and carburetor bowl contained water and debris, while a blue 100LL fuel sample also tested positive for moisture. The right wing fuel cap rubber gasket was missing, raising questions about post-maintenance procedures.

The aircraft had undergone an annual inspection Dec. 14, 2023, followed by ferry work from Michigan to Pennsylvania for avionics and propeller governor rigging. Both Lycoming O-320-E2A engines showed continuity at impact, though wreckage analysis found bent propeller blades and a fractured main spar. The findings highlight critical maintenance lapses involving fuel system integrity that likely contributed to the fatal accident.