Pilot Debrief

ADAMS DENNIS ALLEN VARIEZE near Mojave, CA — 2022-03-26

Final reportWPR22LA133
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Date
2022-03-26
Location
Mojave, CA, USA
Airport
MHV
Aircraft
ADAMS DENNIS ALLEN VARIEZE
Registration
N88KL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The failure of the carburetor intake Sceet tubing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after takeoff and about 500 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power and he chose to land on the open desert terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with vegetation and the landing gear separated, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage undercarriage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the air intake duct between the air filter box and the carburetor was damaged during the accident sequence and partially separated from the airplane. The ducting was Sceet tubing that comprised wire coil encased between an inner and outer silicone-impregnated layer. The Sceet tubing was disassembled and exhibited debonding of the inner and outer layers. Oil and debris that was not consistent with the accident sequence were present in the debonded area. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to the separation of the Sceet tubing inner layer, which then restricted airflow to the carburetor.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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