Pilot Debrief

BURRILL STEVEN E A PLANE near Middleboro, MA — 2022-06-11

Final reportERA22LA270
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Date
2022-06-11
Location
Middleboro, MA, USA
Aircraft
BURRILL STEVEN E A PLANE
Registration
N51324
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing for a local flight after a successful engine run-up when the accident occurred. He reported that while starting a left turn the engine rpm fluctuated before the engine lost all power. While flying slightly above the trees, the airplane stall/mushed and descended into the trees, coming to rest in a nose-low attitude. Examination of the fuel supply system and postaccident operational testing of the engine using the same fuel as the time of the accident revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Although the airplane was operated at a low power setting shortly before takeoff in environmental conditions that were favorable for serious icing at glide power, the engine was developing near full power during the subsequent takeoff. The empty carburetor bowl found during the postaccident examination likely occurred because of fuel leakage after coming to rest. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality more thoroughly before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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