Pilot Debrief

ELLUMAX LEASING LLC EPIC LT near Astoria, OR — 2009-04-24

Final reportWPR09LA219
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Date
2009-04-24
Location
Astoria, OR, USA
Aircraft
ELLUMAX LEASING LLC EPIC LT
Registration
N653SB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power during climb to cruise due to the failure of the engine's fuel control unit. Contributing to the accident was the incorrect machining of an internal component of the fuel control unit, and the failure of the assembling technician to correctly inspect the unit's assembly.

NTSB narrative

During a climb to en route cruise, the airplane's engine lost almost all power, and the pilot had to ditch in a river because he was unable to glide back to the departure airport. The power loss was due to a minimum fuel flow command from the fuel control unit as a result of the seizure of the fuel control flyweights. The seizure of the flyweights was due to their contamination with residue from a failed fuel control tachometer drive bearing. The bearing failed due to its preload spacer being machined incorrectly, and due to the failure of the assembling technician to detect the anomaly at the time the fuel control was assembled.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have activated the IFR flight plan before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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