Pilot Debrief

BEECH 95-A55 near Homerville, GA — 2012-07-27

Final reportERA12LA503
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Date
2012-07-27
Location
Homerville, GA, USA
Airport
HOE
Aircraft
BEECH 95-A55
Registration
N1572S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to debris within the engine-driven fuel pump.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight at 5,000 feet mean sea level, the left engine suddenly lost power. The pilot did not notice a loss of oil pressure or increased engine temperature indication before the power loss. He feathered the left engine propeller, but the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. Unable to reach a suitable airport, the pilot landed the airplane on a road, and it then veered off the road into a ditch. During a test run of the left engine, it would only run when the airframe electric fuel boost pump was in the "on" position. When the boost pump was turned off, the engine would stop running. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed and examined, and debris was found blocking the vapor return jet in the fuel pump.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system before flight after recent maintenance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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