Pilot Debrief

CORBEN BABY ACE D near Lincoln, CA — 2014-10-05

Final reportWPR15LA003
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Date
2014-10-05
Location
Lincoln, CA, USA
Airport
LHM
Aircraft
CORBEN BABY ACE D
Registration
N3RH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from debris restricting the fuel flow within the fuel system.

NTSB narrative

Following an uneventful takeoff and straight-out departure, the pilot leveled the airplane about 1,000 ft above ground level, at which point, the engine began to sputter, and it subsequently lost power. The pilot initiated a return to the departure airport; however, due to the low altitude, he initiated a forced landing to a nearby field. During the landing, the main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the gascolator screen and fuel outlet port were partially restricted with red, sandlike debris, which would have restricted the fuel flow to the carburetor and led to the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine began to sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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