Pilot Debrief

QUAD CITY CHALLENGER near Granbury, TX — 2011-08-16

Final reportCEN11LA568
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Date
2011-08-16
Location
Granbury, TX, USA
Airport
GDJ
Aircraft
QUAD CITY CHALLENGER
Registration
N979JP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The leak in the plastic connectors in the fuel lines, which resulted in decreased engine power during the initial climb.

NTSB narrative

The pilots noted a decrease in engine performance during the initial climb, and the airplane began to descend. The airplane subsequently stalled about 10 to 15 feet above ground level and impacted terrain. An examination of the airplane showed that plastic “Y” connectors in the fuel lines were cracked and leaking. The cracked and leaking connectors in the fuel lines would have caused decreased fuel flow to the engine and are consistent with the reported loss in engine performance. Postaccident examination revealed no other preimpact malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when engine performance decreased.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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