Pilot Debrief

HARGROVE HUMMEL ULTRA CRUISER near Zephyrhills, FL — 2018-10-15

Final reportERA19LA014
Sign in to save
Date
2018-10-15
Location
Zephyrhills, FL, USA
Airport
ZPH
Aircraft
HARGROVE HUMMEL ULTRA CRUISER
Registration
N245AP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to activate the airplane’s auxiliary fuel pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the impairing effects of the pilot’s medication on his performance.

NTSB narrative

Before departing on a on a local pleasure flight, the sport pilot reported that he did not activate the airplane’s auxiliary fuel pump, which would have replenished the header fuel tank with fuel from the airplane’s two main wing fuel tanks. About 5 minutes later, the airplane’s engine lost power when the fuel supply in the header tank was exhausted. The pilot attempted a forced landing, but as he maneuvered the airplane to avoid a tree, the airplane stalled and descended into the tree. The pilot was seriously injured and the airplane’s fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported taking gabapentin prior to the flight. Gabapentin carries the warning, “patients should be advised that gabapentin may cause dizziness, somnolence and other symptoms and signs of central nervous system depression.” It is likely the impairing effects of gabapentin contributed to the pilot's failure to turn on the fuel pump, which led to fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not recall turning on the auxiliary fuel pump before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps