Pilot Debrief

THRUSH S2R near Hawkinsville, GA — 2022-05-05

Final reportERA22LA239
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Date
2022-05-05
Location
Hawkinsville, GA, USA
Aircraft
THRUSH S2R
Registration
N6216M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A failure of the electric main fuel pump due to the carbon brushes having completely worn away.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll for the aerial application flight, the airplane used more runway than normal, and that after takeoff it “didn’t seem to produce power as usual.” He began a right turn and noticed “the power and airspeed [were] slowing.” He checked the gauges and noticed that that the fuel pressure was fluctuating, and then turned on the emergency fuel pump. He then jettisoned the chemical load, and the airplane continued to descend until it impacted trees. A postaccident examination of the airplane found that the electric main fuel pump did not operate. Disassembly of the pump’s electric motor revealed that the carbon brushes had completely worn away, with no brush material remaining in either of the two brush holders. Examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Given that the pilot reported a longer than usual takeoff roll and a reduction in engine power throughout the flight, the pump may not have been operating properly or at all before takeoff. The reduction in power may have been due to the engine operating on only its internal fuel pump. The pilot did not report that the condition improved after he activated the emergency fuel pump. Whether or not the emergency pump had no effect or there was insufficient time to recover before the airplane struck trees could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when noticing abnormal runway usage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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