Pilot Debrief

NELSON SYDNEY/NELSON DIANN ZODIAC XL near Medina, OH — 2012-04-13

Final reportCEN12LA245
Sign in to save
Date
2012-04-13
Location
Medina, OH, USA
Aircraft
NELSON SYDNEY/NELSON DIANN ZODIAC XL
Registration
N4337G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A cracked fuel line, which resulted in a loss of fuel pressure and subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was in cruise flight when the engine momentarily lost power before stopping completely. The pilot switched fuel tanks and turned on the carburetor heat, but the engine did not respond. The pilot noted that the fuel pressure gauge indicated zero. The pilot then conducted a forced landing in a nearby field. An initial examination of the engine did not reveal any abnormalities; however, a later inspection of the airplane and engine revealed that a fuel line was cracked. It is likely that the cracked fuel line prevented the fuel pump from drawing fuel from the tank, resulting in the loss of fuel pressure and the subsequent loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel line integrity before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps