Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20E near Livermore, CA — 2021-02-24

Final reportWPR21LA119
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Date
2021-02-24
Location
Livermore, CA, USA
Airport
LVK
Aircraft
MOONEY M20E
Registration
N3254F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of corrosion and rust in the fuel injection servo.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost total power. The pilot made a forced landing to a road, during which the airplane impacted a car, resulting in substantial damage. An engine examination revealed rust and a black material on the fuel injection servo filter plug. The fuel flow servo diaphragm contained a hard grey sludge. When the fuel injection servo was functionally tested, no fuel flow was observed. The servo was disassembled, and corrosion and debris were identified in the regulator center body and diaphragm assembly. It is likely that corrosion and debris restricted the flow of fuel to the engine, resulting in fuel starvation and the total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Proper fuel system maintenance could have prevented water contamination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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