Pilot Debrief

BUTTERHOF ANTHONY J GINNY B near South Harrison Township, NJ — 2016-04-02

Final reportERA16LA153
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Date
2016-04-02
Location
South Harrison Township, NJ, USA
Aircraft
BUTTERHOF ANTHONY J GINNY B
Registration
N349E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot/mechanic's failure to safety-wire the gascolator bale clamp, which resulted in a fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The sport pilot/mechanic reported that the accident flight was the first flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane after he installed an overhauled engine. About 30 minutes after takeoff, the engine experienced a sudden and total loss of power and would not restart. The pilot then conducted a forced landing to a grass field, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot and another mechanic subsequently performed a condition inspection of the airplane and found that fuel had leaked from the gascolator between the glass cup and metal frame. They also found that the gascolator bale clamp was not safety-wired, which allowed the clamp to loosen and subsequently relax the seal between the glass cup and the metal frame and the fuel to leak.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Ensure proper installation and safety wiring of engine components before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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