Glasair III near Hayward, CA — 2020-10-21

Final reportWPR21LA019

Date: 2020-10-21
Location: Hayward, CA, USA
Airport: HWD
Aircraft: Glasair III
Registration: N1YX
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: Serious
Fatalities: 0
Phase of flight: Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the improper maintenance and inspection of the fuel filter.

NTSB narrative

During takeoff in the experimental amateur-built airplane, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a force landing on a golf course where the airplane struck two trees. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel filter was clogged with corrosion and the filter bypass was rendered inoperative from the corrosion. Although the airplane had about 30 gallons of fuel on board, it is likely that the clogged fuel filter starved the engine of fuel, which resulted in the total loss of engine power. Maintenance records were not made available to determine the maintenance history of the airplane.