Pilot Debrief

BEECH A35 near Waco, GA — 2022-03-06

Final reportERA22LA146
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Date
2022-03-06
Location
Waco, GA, USA
Aircraft
BEECH A35
Registration
N764B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The failure of the fuel pressure indicator line due to corrosion that was not detected during the last annual inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the cross-country flight, the engine began to lose power and as he attempted to regain power, he noted a decrease in fuel pressure. The engine then lost all power, and the pilot made a forced landing on a road. Postaccident examination of the airplane found that the aluminum fuel line from the fuel indicator to the carburetor had ruptured. Additionally, minor corrosion was present around the ruptured area. Based on this information, it is the likely that this corrosion ultimately resulted in the rupture of the fuel line and loss of engine power. Additionally, the airframe maintenance manual prescribed that all fuel lines should have been inspected during the airplane’s most recent annual inspection, which had occurred 8 months and 22 flight hours prior to the accident. Had the corrosion been detected, and the fuel line replaced at that time, it is likely that the loss of engine power would not have occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Inspect fuel lines during annual inspection to prevent failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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