Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON MICHAEL E COZY MARK IV near Tucson, AZ — 2022-03-30

Final reportWPR22LA138
Sign in to save
Date
2022-03-30
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
Airport
RYN
Aircraft
ROBINSON MICHAEL E COZY MARK IV
Registration
N294MV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during an approach due to clogged fuel filters, which resulted from an epoxide sealant used in manufacture of the airplane deteriorating and clogging the fuel filter.

NTSB narrative

During a local flight, the pilot was maneuvering the amateur-built experimental airplane to final approach in the traffic pattern when the engine lost total power. The pilot noticed that the propeller was not windmilling and attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees about 1,000 ft short of the runway threshold and sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. However, examination of the fuel system revealed a clogged fuel filter on the left fuel line and a partially clogged fuel filter on the right fuel line. The pilot stated that he had the left fuel tank selected at the time of the accident. Laboratory spectrum analysis determined the material clogging the fuel filters was consistent with an epoxide used in resins and sealants. Although the spectrum of the clogging material did not match that of an uncured sample of the sealant used during manufacture of the airplane, this was likely due to the cured state of the clogging material. The epoxide likely deteriorated, with the fragments becoming loose and clogging the fuel filters.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have switched fuel tanks earlier to prevent fuel starvation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

Related mishaps