Pilot Debrief

LUECK KITFOX 7 near Cody, WY — 2016-12-23

Final reportCEN17LA065
Sign in to save
Date
2016-12-23
Location
Cody, WY, USA
Airport
COD
Aircraft
LUECK KITFOX 7
Registration
N320RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

Improper maintenance of the fuel pressure regulator, which resulted in an excessive fuel and airbox pressure differential and subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot stated that he had experienced engine roughness during previous flights in the accident airplane. Maintenance personnel determined that the airplane was not receiving adequate fuel at full power, even with both electric fuel pumps operating. As a result, they installed check valves in the fuel system and replaced the fuel pressure regulator. On the day of the accident, the engine experienced a total loss of power after both fuel pumps were turned off during a pre-takeoff engine run-up. The pilot and mechanic then performed another run-up check, during which the engine operated normally. The pilot subsequently departed and entered the airport traffic pattern. While on the downwind leg, with both fuel pumps operating, the pilot reduced engine power and the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the nose landing gear collapsed. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the fuel pressure and airbox pressure differential was not within the engine manufacturer's limits. The fuel pressure regulator was adjusted within those limits, and the engine was subsequently test run with no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after sensing engine issues during descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps