SKYKITS USA CORP SAVANNAH ADV near Ookala, HI — 2012-04-19

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during cruise for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to avoid an aerodynamic stall at low altitude during the forced landing.

NTSB narrative

The owner/pilot topped off both fuel tanks in the special light-sport airplane, flew uneventfully to another airport, and departed shortly thereafter. About 75 minutes after the initial departure, while in cruise flight at an altitude that the pilot estimated as between 2,500 and 3,000 feet, the engine lost power. Due in part to the airplane's low altitude, the pilot did not attempt any corrective actions, and focused on finding a suitable landing location. The pilot selected a young cornfield for the landing but stalled the airplane a few feet above the ground, which resulted in a near vertical impact trajectory in a flat attitude. The pilot reported that he believed that the power loss was due to asymmetric fuel feed from the two wing-mounted fuel tanks due to a plugged fuel vent in the left tank. Although the fuel vents were not examined, no mechanical failures or deficiencies that would have precluded continued engine operation were observed during examination of the airplane. Accordingly, the investigation did not determine a specific reason for the power loss, or the specific reason(s) why the pilot stalled the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Pilot did not troubleshoot or attempt to restart the engine after power loss.

NTSB coding

• Loss of engine power (partial) · Enroute-cruise
• Engine Failure Enroute

Evidence available

• 11 docket documents

Docket documents11

• Aircraft and Wreckage Informationform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• FAA Pilot Interviewsinterview
• Hawaii Fire Department Statementinterview
• Witness Statementsinterview
• FAA Carburetor Icing Chartother
• METARsother
• Pilot Flight Times from FAAother
• Record of Communication –Fire Department Witnessother
• Record of Conversation – FAA Inspector Leeother
• Record of Conversation – FAA Inspectorsother

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