Pilot Debrief

VELOCITY VELOCITY SE near Bahia Key, FL — 2023-03-11

Final reportERA23LA148
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Date
2023-03-11
Location
Bahia Key, FL, USA
Aircraft
VELOCITY VELOCITY SE
Registration
N343BD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The accident flight was a short, 15-minute return flight, from island to island, with about 19 gallons of fuel onboard. Since the pilot had not flown in several months, he veered north of course to practice a slow speed descent and the power settings that he would be using during his landing approach. He slowed and reduced power, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and ditched the airplane in a bay. Postaccident examination of the airplane and fuel-injected engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Fuel, mixed with sea water, was observed in both wing tanks and the center tank. Data were extracted from an onboard engine information system; however, the unit did not contain any relevant engine performance parameters.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system more thoroughly before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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