Pilot Debrief

James Bruton FLYING FLEA near Plymouth, CT — 2016-10-06

Final reportERA17LA007
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Date
2016-10-06
Location
Plymouth, CT, USA
Airport
N41
Aircraft
James Bruton FLYING FLEA
Registration
N83165
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that they observed the pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane performing touch-and-go landings. The airplane flew for about 30 minutes before the engine lost power, and the airplane crashed into trees. The pilot did not recall the accident. Examination of the airframe did not reveal any anomalies. Fuel was observed in the fuel tank, and an examination of the fuel system did not reveal any fuel contamination. Although the wreckage examination revealed that the loss of engine power was likely not related to fuel quantity or fuel contamination, no additional examination of the engine was performed; thus, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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