Pilot Debrief

MCMILLAN JOEL L AVID SW 65 near Darlington, SC — 2017-09-24

Final reportERA17LA334
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Date
2017-09-24
Location
Darlington, SC, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
MCMILLAN JOEL L AVID SW 65
Registration
N65SW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter.

NTSB narrative

During initial climb in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, the engine lost total power. The private pilot switched fuel tanks, but the engine did not regain power. The pilot then intentionally slowed and stalled the airplane just above trees; it collided with the trees and ground, coming to rest inverted. The fuel tanks were constructed of fiberglass. Examination of the wreckage revealed that fuel was leaking from the right wing; however, the fuel filter was clogged with dirt and fiberglass. Although it could not be definitively determined how much fuel was on board, it is likely that the clogged fuel filter starved the engine of fuel, which resulted in the loss of engine power.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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