Pilot Debrief

BENDER THOMAS G RV-6 near Moriarty, NM — 2024-01-02

Final reportWPR24LA063
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Date
2024-01-02
Location
Moriarty, NM, USA
Airport
0E0
Aircraft
BENDER THOMAS G RV-6
Registration
N111XF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was operating normally throughout the preflight and initial takeoff. Shortly after becoming airborne, and while still over the runway, the engine began to “stutter” and lose power. The pilot turned on the electric fuel pump, but the engine did not respond. During the forced landing that followed, the airplane exited the runway and the landing gear collapsed, substantially damaging the fuselage. The pilot stated that 6 to 12 months before the accident he had experienced a similar instance of an engine failure during takeoff, but he was able to land during that instance. He attributed that loss of power to a failed fuel pump. He stated that he replaced the failed fuel pump with a used fuel pump that was on an engine that he rebuilt 70 yrs ago. Attempts to contact the pilot to access the airplane and engine for an examination were unsuccessful. Although the fuel pump was reportedly 70 yrs old, investigators could not determine if it failed. Therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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