Pilot Debrief

PAUL GAYWOOD E CH 601 HD near Goldendale, WA — 2017-08-26

Final reportWPR17LA194
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Date
2017-08-26
Location
Goldendale, WA, USA
Airport
S20
Aircraft
PAUL GAYWOOD E CH 601 HD
Registration
N9066F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The day before the accident, the pilot identified contaminated fuel. He de-fueled the airplane, refueled it with 100 low-lead aviation fuel, and then extensively ground run the engine with no issues noted. The day of the accident, he performed another ground run, shut down the engine and checked for leaks, and then prepared for the accident flight. About 75 ft above ground level during the initial climb, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing to rocky, uneven terrain, during which the left wing sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine and did not find any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have further investigated fuel quality before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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