Pilot Debrief

ERCOUPE 415 near Germantown, NY — 2009-11-04

Final reportERA10CA049
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Date
2009-11-04
Location
Germantown, NY, USA
Airport
K20N
Aircraft
ERCOUPE 415
Registration
N93659
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he had just purchased the accident airplane. After completing a familiarization flight with the previous owner, the pilot had the main fuel tanks topped off and then departed. After flying for 20 minutes, the pilot noticed that the header fuel tank indicator was showing empty. The pilot returned to the departure airport and told the previous owner that something was wrong with the fuel system. The owner informed him that it should be fine, and the pilot refueled the header fuel tank and departed again for his destination. During the flight the engine lost all power and the pilot conducted an emergency landing to a field. During landing the airplane flipped over inverted and was substantially damaged. An examination of the wreckage by a mechanic revealed that the fuel pump to the header tank was not operating at the correct flow rate.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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