Probable cause
The failure of the engine driven fuel pump flange due to oil starvation, resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was in cruise flight at 12,500 feet mean sea level when the engine stopped running. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot performed a forced landing to rolling, uneven terrain resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed the fuel pump drive gear was pressed into the flange and would not rotate by hand. Several of the gear teeth exhibited damage. The gear shaft exhibited rotational scoring. Half of the engine side lip of the flange was missing. The flange housing was discolored, consistent with heat due to oil starvation. Examination of the engine, fuel pump, remaining engine components, and fuel system revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA085 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wolcott, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North American SNJ-5
- N-number
- N12KY
- 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.