Amateur-built RAND-ROBINSON KR2 N774A accident near Hamilton, Ohio

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to vapor lock in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the operation of the airplane with automotive gasoline and the installation of noninsulated fuel components near heat sources in the engine compartment.

NTSB analysis

The pilot/owner, who also built the airplane, reported that, during the initial climb, the airplane stopped climbing about 30 ft above the ground and then experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently nosed over and impacted terrain. The pilot reported that he used automotive gasoline to fuel the airplane, which was powered by a Volkswagen engine with a POSA-type carburetor. Further, the engine was tightly cowled, but the gascolator on the airplane was not insulated and was mounted about 2 inches from the exhaust pipe. Airplanes configured in this manner are susceptible to vapor lock when operating with automotive gasoline. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of engine power due to vapor lock.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA304 for the full record.