Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND CANADA DHC-1 CHIPMUNK X near Lebanon, TN — 2021-07-15

Final reportERA21LA288
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Date
2021-07-15
Location
Lebanon, TN, USA
Airport
TN96
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND CANADA DHC-1 CHIPMUNK X
Registration
N47YC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before departure, the right tank was half full, the left tank was full, and that he took off with the fuel selector set to the left tank. The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, the airplane’s engine suddenly lost power. He maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing, and it impacted trees and terrain before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings, and the pilot was seriously injured. An examination of the fuel system and engine did not reveal evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure. The cockpit fuel selector handle was found in the right tank position. The right fuel tank was ruptured during the impact sequence and contained no fuel. The left tank, which the pilot reported that he was using at the time of the loss of engine power, held an adequate amount of fuel. Fuel was found in the line from the fuel pumps to the carburetor. The reason for the sudden loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector before takeoff to ensure proper tank was used.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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