Pilot Debrief

Edge 540 near La Porte, TX — 2024-02-03

Final reportCEN24LA107
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Date
2024-02-03
Location
La Porte, TX, USA
Airport
T41
Aircraft
Edge 540
Registration
N321JA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was about 200 to 400 ft above the runway, the engine started popping and misfiring and then lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to wet grass with standing water, during which the airplane flipped over and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. Postaccident examination revealed 15 gallons of fuel in the fuselage fuel tank and continuity of the fuel system. Impact damage precluded an engine run. The examination of the fuel-injected engine and fuel system did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have resulted in a misfire or loss of engine power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured both main wing tanks had fuel before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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