Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to a malfunctioning fuel pump.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew the airplane for about 30 minutes and then returned to the airport for landing. As the airplane approached the airport, the engine lost power, and the pilot conducted a forced landing short of the runway. Fuel was found onboard, and it was not contaminated. Testing of the engine's fuel pump revealed that the fuel pressure oscillated due to a malfunctioning relief valve in the fuel pump. It is likely that the engine lost fuel pressure and subsequent power during the accident flight as a result of the malfunctioning fuel pump.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA033 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 31, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wellington, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Wellington Muncipal (KEGT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built PITTS S 1S
- N-number
- N67JC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.