Pilot Debrief

SPINK ROBERT M PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER near San Rafael, CA — 2011-10-13

Final reportWPR12LA009
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Date
2011-10-13
Location
San Rafael, CA, USA
Airport
CA35
Aircraft
SPINK ROBERT M PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER
Registration
N762S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during the takeoff climb due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the incorrect installation location of the fuel tank supply line screen that allowed debris to partially block the fuel supply line.

NTSB narrative

During the takeoff climb, the engine lost all power. The pilot began troubleshooting steps but was unable to increase the engine power and subsequently performed a forced landing into a marsh. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel tank supply line screen had been installed at the fuel sump outlet instead of the fuel line outlet, which allowed unfiltered fuel to flow to the carburetor. An elbow fitting in the fuel supply line was partially occluded with plastic fragments and residential pipe sealant tape. Although fuel was found in the gascolator, the high-wing fuel tank design was such that the gascolator most likely filled with fuel via the partially blocked line after the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system installation before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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