Diamond Aircraft Industries DA-42 N215BN accident near Bellefontaine, Ohio

Probable cause

The improper position of the right engine’s fuel feed pump bolt, which led to a total loss of power on the right engine, and the left engine's partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

During an instructional flight, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power of the right engine during climb followed by a partial loss of power on the left engine. The flight instructor performed a forced landing on a field that was off the runway departure end. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the forced landing.

Before the accident flight, the airplane had undergone maintenance to replace the time-limited engine fuel feed pump (FFP) on both engines, and no maintenance check flight was required to be performed before flight. Postaccident examination of the right engine revealed that the right engine fuel feed pump bolt was not seated and thus might have resulted in inadequate fuel pressure for proper engine operation. The available evidence for this investigation did not allow a determination of the reason that the bolt was not properly seated. Maintenance personnel stated that they did not change the position of the right engine’s FFP bolt when the FPP was installed onto the engine.

Both engines were tested with engine exhaust pipes that were found not in compliance with an airworthiness directive for fractured exhaust pipes that could result in an uncommanded engine shutdown. Postaccident testing of the left engine was unable to duplicate any power loss. As a result, the reason for the left engine’s power reduction during the accident flight could not be determined based on the available evidence. The right engine operated normally after its fuel feed pump bolt was moved to its seated position.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA379 for the full record.