Pilot Debrief

THORP T-18 near Gilmer, TX — 2012-08-21

Final reportCEN12LA566
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Date
2012-08-21
Location
Gilmer, TX, USA
Airport
JXI
Aircraft
THORP T-18
Registration
N2443
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The disconnected metering unit fuel line, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to wooded terrain. Examination of the engine revealed the fuel line from the fuel pump to the metering unit was disconnected at the metering unit. This disconnection would result in a loss of engine power. No additional anomalies were noted during the airframe and engine examination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine rpm rollback.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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