N313MC

Destroyed
Minor

Current Kitfox 313S/N: 313

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
NTSB Number
ATL04LA066
Location
Selma, AL
Event ID
20040126X00106
Coordinates
32.373332, -87.102218
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate installation, and his failure to secure the main fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N313MC
Make
CURRENT
Serial Number
313
Year Built
1990
Model / ICAO
Kitfox 313

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
COFFEE RONALD T
Address
4830 COUNTY RD 37
Status
Deregistered
City
SELMA
State / Zip Code
AL 36701
Country
United States

Analysis

On January 13, 2004, at 1400 central standard time, a Current Kitfox 313, N313MC, registered to and operated by a private pilot collided with the ground while attempting an emergency landing in Selma, Alabama. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot received minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Sky Harbor Airport, Selma, Alabama, on January 13, 2004 at 1345.

During a telephone conversation with the pilot, he stated that prior to the flight he made adjustment on the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauge. The main fuel flow line had been removed to access the area of the EGT gauge. During climb out through 300 feet, the EGTgauge was reading above the maximum temperature, and the engine quit. While maneuvering for the emergency landing the right wing collided with a tree.

Examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was buckled. Examination of the flight control system did not reveal any mechanical anomalies. Examination of the engine compression, and the ignition system of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies. Approximately five gallons of fuel were recovered from the fuel system. Further examination of the fuel system revealed that the main fuel line was separated from the fuel input port on the carburetor.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL04LA066