Pilot Debrief

ARIOSTO JAMES J ARIOSTO MUSTANG II near Normangee, TX — 2016-03-04

Final reportCEN16LA121
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Date
2016-03-04
Location
Normangee, TX, USA
Aircraft
ARIOSTO JAMES J ARIOSTO MUSTANG II
Registration
N12JA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel selector positioning procedures during the flight.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, the private pilot attempted to move the fuel selector from the left to the right fuel tank. During that process, the engine lost power, and the airplane sustained substantial damage during the subsequent forced landing. The pilot reported that he had recently modified the fuel system, and, while attempting to select the right fuel tank, he inadvertently starved the engine of fuel. The pilot reported no problems with the engine before the loss of engine power and stated that the engine lost power because he used improper procedures while attempting to change the fuel selector.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured proper fuel tank switching procedures before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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