Pilot Debrief

MOFFITT OSCAR/ KIT PROSTAR A/C PT2 near Trenton, SC — 2013-12-02

Final reportERA14LA059
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Date
2013-12-02
Location
Trenton, SC, USA
Airport
6J6
Aircraft
MOFFITT OSCAR/ KIT PROSTAR A/C PT2
Registration
N355PT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The airplane owner/pilot ‘s failure to follow the gascolator manufacturer’s recommendations for installing and safety wiring the gascolator strainer bowl, which resulted in the bowl separating and a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was conducting a presale inspection of his experimental, amateur-built airplane. He ensured no debris was present in the gascolator and then conducted a test flight. During the test flight and while on final approach to land, the engine lost all power, and the pilot subsequently made a forced landing in a field. A postaccident examination of the gascolator revealed that the strainer bowl was not installed and safety wired in accordance with a service letter issued by the gascolator manufacturer. As a result, the gascolator strainer bowl became separated from the bail, which caused fuel starvation to the engine and total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have replaced the gascolator with a proper part before the test flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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