Pilot Debrief

XTREMEAIR GMBH XA42 near West Palm Beach, FL — 2017-03-01

Final reportERA17LA122
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Date
2017-03-01
Location
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Airport
F45
Aircraft
XTREMEAIR GMBH XA42
Registration
N342AW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that, after takeoff, while the airplane was about 150 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power and that he then chose to land straight ahead in a field. The airplane touched down on soft terrain and skidded about 60 ft before coming to rest in the upright position. The firewall and engine mounts were substantially damaged. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. During the engine disassembly, fuel was noted in the throttle body; however, no fuel was found in the fuel manifold. In addition, no water was noted in the fuel system. The pilot stated that he washed the airplane the day before the accident, so it is possible that water entered the fuel system and resulted in a total loss of engine power on takeoff. However, since no water was found in the fuel system (the pilot washed the airplane the previous day), the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for water in the fuel system before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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