Pilot Debrief

MAULE M-5-210C near Ogden, UT — 2009-05-28

Final reportWPR09LA268
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Date
2009-05-28
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
Airport
OGD
Aircraft
MAULE M-5-210C
Registration
N315X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he filled the airplane's fuel tanks prior to flight with aviation gasoline, and performed preflight inspections both before the flight, as well as the day prior. During the takeoff initial climb, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but ultimately force landed in a field adjacent to the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage during the impact sequence. Post accident examination of the engine did not reveal any obvious anomalies; however, a fuel sample obtained from one of the wings revealed the presence of a residual quantity of automotive gasoline mixed with aviation gasoline. The owner of the airplane stated that he had used automotive gasoline in the airplane on prior occasions, but had given up the practice about 6 months prior to the accident. The use of automobile gasoline in the airplane is explicitly prohibited by the engine manufacturer for reasons including the potential for vapor lock. Additionally, the engine examination showed multiple indications of an excessively rich mixture, which can also result in a loss of power. Whether one or both of these possibilities resulted in the loss of engine power could not be determined. The pilot reported flight control difficulties during the emergency descent; however, impact damage prevented an accurate assessment of the airplane's control rigging.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel type before flight to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents18

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