Dennis P. McGurk F1 Rocket near Woodbine, NJ — 2008-06-20

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the proper tank prior to performing aerobatics.

NTSB narrative

While performing aerobatics, the engine lost all power. Evidence indicates that the pilot attempted to restart the engine, and that the airplane impacted wires while the pilot attempted to execute a forced landing to a road. The airplane came to rest on the road and was partially consumed by the postcrash fire. No evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the airframe or engine was discovered. The airplane was equipped with two fuel tanks. The flight manual advised that, “Prolonged uncoordinated flight with low fuel quantities may uncover the fuel tank outlets, causing fuel starvation and engine failure.” The pilot however, had modified the left fuel tank with an inverted fuel system, to allow the engine to operate while the airplane was in unusual attitudes or inverted. Examination of the left fuel tank revealed that it had been modified with the inclusion of a flop tube (a flexible hose with a weight attached at its free end). When the airplane was right side up, the hose would feed fuel from the bottom of the left fuel tank, and when the plane would roll inverted, the weight would cause the hose to flop to the top of the left fuel tank, and feed its fuel from there, allowing the engine to continue to run. Examination of the right side of the fuel system revealed it was similar to the system described in the kit manufacturer’s assembly manual and did not have a flop tube. The floor mounted fuel selector was found set to the right tank.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided aerobatic maneuvers given known fuel system issues.

NTSB coding

• Fuel starvation · Maneuvering-aerobatics

Evidence available

• Photos
• 14 docket documents

Docket documents14

• Engine Examination Information (As Provided by FAA)form
• Excerpts from F1 Rocket Pilot's Operating Handbook (Fuel and Fuel System Information)form
• N623BL Fueling Informationform
• Wreckage Release Formform
• Witness Statements and Interview Summariesinterview
• Excerpt from F1 Rocket Assembly Manual (Fuel Selector Location)other
• F1 Rocket Three-View Drawingother
• Map of Accident Locationother
• Aerial Photograph of Main Wreckage (FAA)photos
• Photograph of Fuel Selector Valve in Right Tank Position (NTSB)photos
• Photograph of Left Fuel Tank Flop Tube (NTSB)photos
• Photograph of Main Wreckage (FAA)photos
• Toxicological Reportreport
• Weather Reports and Records (KWWD METARs)report

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