Summary
On December 08, 2019, a Zenith ZODIAC CH-650 (N914AR) was involved in an accident near Willow Springs, MO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: Improper maintenance practices on the fuel system causing fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
On December 8, 2019, about 1515 central standard time, an experimental, amateur-built Zenith Zodiac CH-650, N914AR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Willow Springs, Missouri. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he adjusted the ground adjustable propeller and was going to test fly the airplane. During the initial climb, the engine lost total power. A few seconds later, the engine restarted on its own, but shortly lost total power again. He turned back to the runway but knew he would not make it and set up for an off-field landing. The pilot did not recall additional events leading up to the accident.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA20LA050. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N914AR.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Improper maintenance practices on the fuel system causing fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 8, 2019, about 1515 central standard time, an experimental, amateur-built Zenith Zodiac CH-650, N914AR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Willow Springs, Missouri. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, he adjusted the ground adjustable propeller and was going to test fly the airplane. During the initial climb, the engine lost total power. A few seconds later, the engine restarted on its own, but shortly lost total power again. He turned back to the runway but knew he would not make it and set up for an off-field landing. The pilot did not recall additional events leading up to the accident.
Examination of the airplane by a Certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic revealed that the fuel pump was weak on pressure and the diaphragm was leaking. The electric fuel pump was installed between the engine driven pump and the carburetor, causing low fuel pressure. The fuel flow meter was not installed correctly using the proper fittings. The fuel flow meter was installed using a pipe fitting connected to a flare fitting. All fittings were finger tight.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA20LA050