Pilot Debrief

Watson Michael A Velocity Elite RG near Lady Lake, FL — 2020-10-06

Final reportERA21LA009
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Date
2020-10-06
Location
Lady Lake, FL, USA
Aircraft
Watson Michael A Velocity Elite RG
Registration
N78BM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The experimental, amateur-built airplane was fueled prior to the cross-country flight. About 20 minutes into the flight, shortly after the airplane descended from 7,000 ft mean sea level (msl) to 3,000 ft msl, the engine lost all power. The pilot verified adequate fuel and that the mixture and throttle controls were in the correct positions; however, he was unable to restart the engine and performed a forced landing into a field. The airplane was substantially damaged when it struck a fence during the landing. Subsequent examination of the engine, fuel system, and ignition system did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The onboard engine monitor only stored data regarding the duration of and total engine time at the end of the previous flight. Given the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted to land at the nearest airport after engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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