Pilot Debrief

AUTOGYRO CAVALON near Collinsville, TX — 2021-06-16

Final reportCEN21LA276
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Date
2021-06-16
Location
Collinsville, TX, USA
Aircraft
AUTOGYRO CAVALON
Registration
N46JS
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to the failure of both fuel pumps, which resulted in fuel starvation. The reason for the failure of both fuel pumps could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental gyroplane reported a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot was unable to restore engine power, so he made a forced landing to a pasture, during which the main rotor blades were substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the engine found that the main fuel pump was inoperable and that the auxiliary fuel pump ran initially but stopped operating after a few seconds. Because both fuel pumps had failed, fuel could not be fed to the engine during the accident flight, and a total loss of engine power occurred. The reasons for the failure of both fuel pumps could not be determined from the available evidence for this investigation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Ensuring fuel system functionality before takeoff could have prevented the loss of power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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