Pilot Debrief

LANCAIR LC41-550FG near Branson, MO — 2019-09-02

Final reportCEN19LA319
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Date
2019-09-02
Location
Branson, MO, USA
Airport
BBG
Aircraft
LANCAIR LC41-550FG
Registration
N405JA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot flew to another airport to pick up passengers. After refueling and loading the passengers, the pilot started the engine, which he stated was still warm and ran rough, but he was able to resolve the roughness during the engine run-up. During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power and began to surge. The pilot turned on the vapor suppressor to clear vapor from the fuel lines; the engine then lost total power. The airplane impacted trees and terrain during the forced landing which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. Examination revealed some fibrous contamination within the left fuel tank pick up screen; however, there was no fuel system contamination downstream of the fuel tanks. Disassembly examination of the engine and subsequent accessory testing did not reveal any anomalies that would result in a loss of engine power. The airplane flight manual contained numerous sections pertaining to fuel system vapor, and the circumstances of the accident, including the warm ambient temperature, were likely conducive to the formation of fuel system vapor; however, whether the loss of engine power was the result of fuel vapor could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have turned on vapor suppression switch earlier to prevent engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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