Pilot Debrief

HUSTON CHARLES D PITTS S-12 near Spicewood, TX — 2009-06-05

Final reportCEN09LA341
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Date
2009-06-05
Location
Spicewood, TX, USA
Airport
88R
Aircraft
HUSTON CHARLES D PITTS S-12
Registration
N922TP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the presence of an unidentified contaminant in the fuel system which clogged the fuel flow sensor. Contributing to the accident was the manufacturer’s installation of the fuel flow sensor upstream of the fuel filter and the misleading fuel schematic published by the airplane kit manufacturer.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was on departure when the engine started sputtering and lost power. The pilot turned toward the runway and landed beside the runway in the dirt, substantially damaging the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel flow sensor, which was located upstream of the fuel flow filter, was clogged with an unidentified substance and there was particulate matter in the fuel lines. The source of the substances could not be determined. The experimental airplane manufacturer installed the fuel flow sensor upstream of the fuel flow filter as depicted on a fuel flow schematic, provided for information only, by the airplane airframe kit manufacturer. The installation instructions for the fuel flow sensor indicated the fuel flow sensor should be installed downstream of a fuel filter.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have installed fuel flow sensor downstream of the fuel filter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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