Pilot Debrief

BUSCHMANN/VANZEE VARI EZ near Ambler, PA — 2017-09-24

Final reportERA17LA333
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Date
2017-09-24
Location
Ambler, PA, USA
Airport
LOM
Aircraft
BUSCHMANN/VANZEE VARI EZ
Registration
N830S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

Water contamination of the fuel that was not detected during a preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting a personal flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane. During the initial climb, the engine lost total power when the airplane was about 200 ft above ground level. The airplane descended and impacted trees beyond the departure threshold; the airplane was destroyed. A witness reported hearing the engine "sputter," and another witness reported that the engine sounded like it did not reach full rpm during takeoff. An engine examination revealed that the gascolator and carburetor contained water-contaminated fuel. The examination did not reveal any other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Due to his injuries, the pilot was unable to recall the events leading up to the accident. Although he indicated that he routinely completed thorough preflight inspections, he likely either did not sample the fuel or did not adequately eliminate water from the fuel before takeoff. Thus, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to water contamination of the fuel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before takeoff to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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