Pilot Debrief

Aero Vodochody Aero. Works L-29 Delfin near Millville, NJ — 2008-06-22

Final reportNYC08LA224
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Date
2008-06-22
Location
Millville, NJ, USA
Airport
MIV
Aircraft
Aero Vodochody Aero. Works L-29 Delfin
Registration
N29DJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
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 that was not identified due to the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.

NTSB narrative

While climbing after takeoff, the former Czech military jet trainer experienced a total loss of engine power and struck pine trees in a wooded area about 1 mile southwest of the airport. Subsequent examination of the airplane's fuel system revealed fuel that drained from the fuel filter was contaminated with black sediment, and appeared "extremely cloudy." Additionally, the fuel filter element was contaminated and restricted the flow of fuel to the engine. The pilot purchased the airplane about 1 year prior to the accident. The maintenance records were not located. The pilot fueled the airplane from a tank on the back of a pickup truck. Review of fuel receipts revealed that the day prior to the accident, the pilot purchased about 138 gallons of "kerosene," 6 gallons of "off road diesel," and 27 gallons of "diesel" fuel. Review of a preflight inspection checklist for the airplane revealed that it included discharging "2 liters" of fuel from the fuel filter drain to check for contamination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before takeoff to prevent contamination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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