Pilot Debrief

EMERSON Kitfox near Waller, TX — 2017-09-24

Final reportCEN17LA366
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Date
2017-09-24
Location
Waller, TX, USA
Airport
37XA
Aircraft
EMERSON Kitfox
Registration
N91904
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
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

The commercial pilot reported that, after he climbed the non-certificated, experimental airplane to 300 to 400 ft above ground level after takeoff, there was a partial loss of engine power. The engine continued to operate but was unable to produce adequate power to sustain flight. The pilot attempted to land in a field near a residential area and the airplane impacted a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The fuel in the airplane had not been changed for about 12 months before the accident; however, a limited examination of the wreckage determined that the fuel onboard the airplane tested negative for water. The airplane was manufactured in 2001 and never received an airworthiness certificate. The postaccident examination was limited and the reason for the loss of power was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel condition before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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