The NTSB’s preliminary report into the February 22 crash of a Canadian-registered Piper PA-46 Malibu at Felts Field Airport (SFF) in Spokane, Wash., said the aircraft was incorrectly fueled before departure. The on-scene FAA inspector reviewed records at Western Aviation that indicated the piston-powered aircraft had been fueled with 52 gallons of jet-A before takeoff. The Canadian-certified pilot and sole occupant died in a hospital two days after the accident.

Witnesses said the aircraft departed Runway 22R at SFF at 2:05 p.m. local time in visual conditions on an IFR flight plan for Stockton (Calif.) Airport. Multiple witnesses observed the aircraft shortly after takeoff with the engine sputtering as the left wing dropped and the nose pitched up, followed by the aircraft rolling to a right-wing-low condition before disappearing from view. Other witnesses watched the Malibu’s right wing strike a railroad track at the top of a hill before the aircraft slid down an embankment, coming to rest inverted near the bottom of a railroad bridge, destroying the aircraft. Both wings separated but were located near the main wreckage. Investigators said a strong smell of jet fuel was present at the accident site.