Younkin J R Mullicoupe near Siloam Springs, AR — 2009-11-10
- Date
- 2009-11-10
- Location
- Siloam Springs, AR, USA
- Airport
- SLG
- Aircraft
- Younkin J R Mullicoupe
- Registration
- N273X
- Category
- Airplane
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Maneuvering
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for undetermined reasons.
NTSB narrative
The pilot was performing aerobatics in an experimental airplane when the engine quit. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field but hit an unseen power line. The airplane lost control, impacted terrain and cartwheeled, causing substantial damage to the engine compartment, wings, aft fuselage and forward portion of upper cabin area. The pilot and the owner both told investigators that the engine quit due to fuel starvation to the engine caused by a vacuum created in the header tank. Investigators were unable to verify the configuration of the fuel system due to postaccident actions performed by the owner and the lack of information provided by the owner.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Fuel management
- First missed decision gate
- Pilot could have checked fuel system before performing aerobatic maneuvers.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- 3 docket documents
Docket documents3
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