Pilot Debrief

SHEEHAN KEVIN A VANS RV-8 near Umatilla, FL — 2023-09-05

Final reportERA23LA365
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Date
2023-09-05
Location
Umatilla, FL, USA
Airport
X23
Aircraft
SHEEHAN KEVIN A VANS RV-8
Registration
N772KS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had fully fueled the experimental amateur-built airplane before departure and had about 40 gallons of fuel on board. He then reported, and witness video confirmed, that shortly after departure, about 150 ft above ground level, the engine began to “sputter and cough” before sustaining a total loss of power. The pilot maintained flying airspeed, switched fuel tanks, and checked that the fuel boost pump was on. He noticed that there was no runway remaining and aimed for a large yard that was across a lake off the departure end of the runway. He was unable to glide to the yard and impacted the lake, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane found that the fuel line from the electric fuel boost pump to the fuel sump was fractured and detached from the pump, though given the damage to the pump mounting bracket and fuselage structure surrounding it, it is likely that the fuel line separation was the result of impact forces. No other evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane or engine were found that would have precluded normal operation and a reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not complete an engine run-up before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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