Pilot Debrief

HAWKER HUNTER near Wilmington, NC — 2022-06-20

Final reportERA22LA277
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Date
2022-06-20
Location
Wilmington, NC, USA
Aircraft
HAWKER HUNTER
Registration
N337AX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A bearing failure in the high-pressure fuel pump, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The vintage military jet was being operated under an experimental certificate. The airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power over an ocean at flight level 240. Specifically, the engine rpm reduced and stabilized to about 5,000. The pilot knew that 6,800 to 7,200 rpm would be required to maintain altitude and return to an airport. After two unsuccessful attempts to restore engine power, the pilot ejected at 3,000 ft mean sea level. The fuel system was examined at a maintenance facility after the wreckage was recovered from the ocean. The examination revealed that a bearing failed in the high-pressure fuel pump governor, which prevented pump output pressure from increasing above 850 pounds per square inch (psi); the operating range limit was between 1,900 to 2,200 psi.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after the first engine power loss attempt.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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