Pilot Debrief

MULLOY CHARLES ZODIAC 601XL near Enochville, NC — 2010-07-24

Final reportERA10LA374
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Date
2010-07-24
Location
Enochville, NC, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
MULLOY CHARLES ZODIAC 601XL
Registration
N601CX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

Loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight of the fuel system.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the engine lost power. He performed a forced landing into a wooded area and the airplane came to rest inverted. Examination of the fuel system found water in the fuel line between the engine driven fuel pump, the carburetor, and the fuel strainer. With the exception of the water in the fuel, no additional evidence of any other preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was found. Had the pilot checked the fuel before flight, he likely would have noted the presence of water and should have drained it.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not take fuel samples during preflight inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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