Pilot Debrief

WELLS JOHN L JR STOL CH 701 near Canon City, CO — 2017-06-18

Final reportCEN17LA236
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Date
2017-06-18
Location
Canon City, CO, USA
Airport
1V6
Aircraft
WELLS JOHN L JR STOL CH 701
Registration
N999WX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

Fuel starvation due to the deterioration of a fuel hose.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, during initial climb after takeoff, the amateur-built airplane's engine experienced a partial loss of power. As he attempted to return to the airport, the engine lost total power. He subsequently conducted a forced landing on rough terrain, during which the right wing and fuselage sustained damage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the fuel hose from the left wing tank had deteriorated from the inside, which would have restricted the flow of fuel to the engine and led to fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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