Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 11AC near Pacoima, CA — 2012-08-25

Final reportWPR12LA367
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Date
2012-08-25
Location
Pacoima, CA, USA
Airport
WHP
Aircraft
AERONCA 11AC
Registration
N9409E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power on approach for landing due to a combination of the low fuel level and fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that, while the airplane was on approach for landing, the engine lost power. During the forced landing, the right wing struck a power pole, and the airplane spun right and subsequently came to rest on top of a cinderblock wall. During on-site wreckage examination, a small amount of fuel was found in the fuel tanks and on the ground. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. During postaccident examination of the fuel system, the main fuel tank was found void of fuel. The fuel sump was drained, and the recovered liquid appeared to be a mixture of aviation fuel and some type of solvent. No other usable amounts of fuel were recovered from the fuel system. It is likely that the combination of the low fuel level and fuel contamination led to the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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