Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
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.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 7, 2020, about 1513 eastern daylight time, a Team Mini-Max 1600R airplane, N827WS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marshall, Michigan. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, the engine lost total power during initial climb after departing from a campground area. The pilot made a forced landing into a cornfield, which damaged both wing struts.
During the flight prior to the accident, the pilot noticed engine roughness that discontinued after he turned the fuel pump on. The pilot inspected the airplane after landing but was not able to find a rationale for the engine roughness.
Following the accident, examination of the engine revealed that the fuel supply line to the inlet fitting of the vacuum driven fuel pump was loose on the fitting. Although the clamp on the inlet fitting had been tightened to its maximum clamping position, the fuel supply line was still loose on the fitting and without a proper seal it was possible for air to enter the fuel system.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20LA216