Pilot Debrief

MICHEL PAUL JOHN Murphy Rebel near Live Oak, FL — 2008-12-27

Final reportERA09LA109
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Date
2008-12-27
Location
Live Oak, FL, USA
Airport
9FL0
Aircraft
MICHEL PAUL JOHN Murphy Rebel
Registration
N616PM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After starting the amateur-built airplane's automotive engine, the pilot observed and cleared a diagnostic trouble code from the engine computer, before departing on a local flight in the airport traffic pattern. The pilot subsequently performed four uneventful takeoffs and landings. During the fifth takeoff, about 150 feet above the ground and at 70 mph airspeed, the engine "sputtered" and lost partial power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the problem, but was unsuccessful, and performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane was substantially damaged during the off-airport landing. A post-accident test run of the engine revealed no evidence of any mechanical abnormalities.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have switched to the right fuel tank earlier to prevent engine sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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