Pilot Debrief

WILLERTON VANS RV6A near Sequim, WA — 2012-04-10

Final reportWPR12LA174
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Date
2012-04-10
Location
Sequim, WA, USA
Airport
WN29
Aircraft
WILLERTON VANS RV6A
Registration
N6000Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the climbing phase of the flight, both he and the flight instructor observed fuel leaking from the right wing fuel cap. The pilot made a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. During landing, the airplane landed hard and the propeller struck the ground, substantially damaging the airplane firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the stopper-type fuel cap was locked; however, it was not properly secured in the filler port of the fuel tank. Yet, this would not have affected the landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Secure the fuel cap properly before takeoff to prevent fuel leakage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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