Pilot Debrief

MICROLITES PTYLTD Dragonfly B near Buckley, WA — 2018-07-19

Final reportWPR18LA204
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Date
2018-07-19
Location
Buckley, WA, USA
Airport
WN15
Aircraft
MICROLITES PTYLTD Dragonfly B
Registration
N7008Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot noted no anomalies during the preflight, engine start, or runup inspections. However, shortly after takeoff, while on the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power and the propeller stopped turning. The pilot prepared for a forced landing to a clearing and deployed the airplane’s parachute system. The airplane impacted a tree just prior to landing. A visual examination of the engine at the accident site revealed no obvious holes in the engine case, and fuel was observed leaking from the fuel pump and fuel filter. Further examination of the fuel pump and fuel filter revealed no mechanical anomalies. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine issues were noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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