Pilot Debrief

Eris E. Ervin Quicksilver near Cleburne, TX — 2017-09-25

Final reportCEN17LA368
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Date
2017-09-25
Location
Cleburne, TX, USA
Airport
TX46
Aircraft
Eris E. Ervin Quicksilver
Registration
N5112S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

An engine loss of power due to fuel starvation from a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine; the loss of engine power prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the engine and its components.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the engine and its components.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot was departing in the experimental light sport airplane when the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the runway, but the airplane impacted trees and a fence west of the departure end of the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel line between the fuel tank and engine was brittle and cracked and had broken. Both carburetor bowls were dry. Additionally, putty was found at the fuel tank outlet connector, consistent with a repair to prevent or fix a fuel leak, and the engine air filter was dirty. Although no maintenance records were located, the condition of the engine and its components suggested that it was not being properly maintained. It is likely that the engine experienced a total loss of power due to fuel starvation as a result of the broken fuel line; the loss of engine power prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Toxicological testing found potentially impairing drugs in the pilot; however, it is unlikely that the negative effects of the drugs directly contributed to the outcome of this accident.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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