Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 near Anchorage, AK — 2014-09-01

Final reportANC14LA071
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Date
2014-09-01
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
LHD
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND DHC 2
Registration
N93E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during takeoff due to a malfunction of the engine-driven fuel pump.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, just after takeoff while the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. He attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He subsequently made a forced landing in an area of densely populated trees. During postaccident bench testing, the engine-driven fuel pump produced widely inconsistent fuel flow rates. Disassembly of the pump revealed that the oil seal on the spline driver shaft was split and that it was protruding through the opening in the thrust washer. The engine oil seal was not found inside the pump. It could not be determined whether the seal had ever been installed or if the seal had deteriorated inside the housing. The seal housing and pump bearings were dirty, and numerous pieces of foreign matter were noted within the seal and pump housing. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the fuel pump malfunctioned and caused a disruption of adequate fuel to the carburetor, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon engine power loss at 100 feet AGL.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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