Pilot Debrief

Team 1600R near Marshall, MI — 2020-06-07

Final reportCEN20LA216
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Date
2020-06-07
Location
Marshall, MI, USA
Aircraft
Team 1600R
Registration
N827WS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel’s improper installation of an improperly sized clamp on the fuel supply line, which allowed air to enter the supply line, a subsequent loss of engine power, and a forced landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed from a campground area in the single-engine experimental airplane. During the airplane’s initial climb, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing into a cornfield, which substantially damaged both wing struts. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a loose fuel supply line to the inlet fitting of the vacuum-driven fuel pump. Although the clamp on the inlet fitting was tightened to its maximum clamping position, it was not the correct size, and the fuel supply line was still loose in the fitting. Thus, it is likely that maintenance personnel did not ensure an airtight fitting with a properly sized clamp, which allowed air to enter the fuel supply line and resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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