Pilot Debrief

AYRES CORPORATION S2R-G6 near Antioch, NE — 2024-07-26

Final reportCEN24LA291
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Date
2024-07-26
Location
Antioch, NE, USA
Aircraft
AYRES CORPORATION S2R-G6
Registration
N6136Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from an undetermined source.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported a loss of engine power about 7 miles from the destination airport and about 500 ft above ground level (agl). He executed a forced landing to a pasture, during which the airplane impacted a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident testing of fuel samples from the airframe and engine fuel filters exhibited a brown tint. The airframe fuel filter sample also appeared to contain some minor debris. Analysis of the fuel samples for corrosiveness and water-soluble components were within the specification. However, due to small sample volume from the filters, testing for volatility and contaminants could not be completed. A postaccident engine test run, conducted with clean fuel provided directly to the engine, revealed no engine-related anomalies. While it seems likely that the engine lost power due to fuel starvation resulting from contamination, the nature and source of that contamination could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel filters before flight to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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