Pilot Debrief

RHODES STEVEN D SR3500 near NENANA, AK — 2023-09-17

Final reportANC23LA078
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Date
2023-09-17
Location
NENANA, AK, USA
Aircraft
RHODES STEVEN D SR3500
Registration
N907W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the owner/builder’s inadequate maintenance.

Contributing factors

Contributing was the owner/builder’s inadequate maintenance.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while enroute he noticed a slight rise in engine gas temperature (EGT) with a slight decrease in fuel consumption. Then engine power surged followed by a rapid decrease in power. The pilot performed a forced landing to the tundra and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the fuel inlet screen into the fuel control unit was clogged, which prevented fuel from entering the engine. The pilot, who was the owner/builder, was unaware of the requirements to inspect and clean the fuel control inlet filter. The filter had been in operation for about 12 to 13 years before the accident. The installation service manual recommends that the owner/mechanic inspect and clean the fuel control inlet filter after break-in and at condition inspections or during annual inspections. The lack of maintenance of the fuel control inlet screen filter resulted in the screen becoming clogged and the subsequent fuel starvation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected and cleaned the fuel filter as per service manual requirements.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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