Pilot Debrief

SUTTON AVID HAULER near Rigby, ID — 2010-03-07

Final reportWPR10LA154
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Date
2010-03-07
Location
Rigby, ID, USA
Airport
U56
Aircraft
SUTTON AVID HAULER
Registration
N22EJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that immediately after takeoff, at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine of the experimental amateur-built airplane lost power. During the forced landing, the airplane's tundra tires broke through the snow-covered surface crust and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The fuselage and empennage sustained structural damage. The pilot stated that the engine manufacturer’s manual recommended using an electrical fuel pump, which was not installed on the accident airplane. The pilot stated that even though the airplane was a high-wing design, the high angle of attack during takeoff likely prevented the gravity feed system from delivering fuel fast enough to maintain engine power. During the postaccident engine inspection, no abnormalities were found which would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Install an electrical fuel pump as recommended by the engine manual.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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