Pilot Debrief

ZENITH CH750 near Montrose, CO — 2022-01-02

Final reportCEN22LA093
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Date
2022-01-02
Location
Montrose, CO, USA
Aircraft
ZENITH CH750
Registration
N750DP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, about 30 minutes after departure and while in cruise flight at an altitude of about 10,500 ft mean sea level, he observed the fuel pressure decrease from 44 to 39 pounds per square inch (psi), increase to 40 psi, and decreased to 0 psi as the engine speed decreased to 0 rpm. For about the next 3 to 5 minutes, the fuel pressure and RPMs fluctuated between normal and zero. He activated the backup fuel pump with no effect noted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings during the forced landing. A postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Engine runs were performed with no anomalies noted that were consistent with the pilot’s statements and onboard recorded data. The onboard recorded data showed fluctuations in fuel pressure and intermittent operation of the engine consistent with the pilot’s statement. As a result, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence for this investigation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system integrity before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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