Pilot Debrief

Siebel Auriga near Rockford, IL — 2020-08-14

Final reportCEN20LA342
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Date
2020-08-14
Location
Rockford, IL, USA
Airport
1C8
Aircraft
Siebel Auriga
Registration
N505JS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a local flight to evaluate recent modifications made to increase engine cooling when the engine “sputtered and quit” during cruise climb. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and made a forced landing at the departure airport. The airplane touched down about midfield on the wet turf runway and overran the end of the runway despite the pilot using maximum braking. The airplane traveled through the airport perimeter fence and onto a street where it was struck by an automobile. The airplane’s left wing and its rear spar attach point were substantially damaged during the accident. Postaccident examination and engine test runs did not identify any anomalies or failures that would have resulted in a loss of engine power. The airplane had ample fuel available for the flight. Although the auxiliary fuel pump output pressure was below the engine manufacturer’s minimum specification, no anomalies were identified with the engine-driven fuel pump during postaccident engine test runs. The reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined with the available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system before departure to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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