Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly tighten the b-nut from the engine-driven fuel pump to the fuel-metering unit during maintenance, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that the airplane's right engine stopped producing power in flight and that he was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot made a forced landing to a field with the landing gear up, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the right engine revealed that the b-nut from the engine-driven fuel pump to the fuel-metering unit was loose and leaking fuel. The pilot, who owned and maintained the airplane, had completed an annual inspection of the airplane about 10 flight hours before the accident occurred. He had also recently overhauled the airplane's entire fuel system. No other mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA512 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bragg City, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- None
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-30
- N-number
- N8121Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.