Amateur-built Alisport-Silent N373DB accident near Vero Beach, Florida

Probable cause

The failure of the electric fuel boost pump which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the powered glider stated that about 30 seconds after takeoff, about 170 feet above the ground, the engine rpm decreased. He then leveled the glider and the engine stopped producing power. The pilot entered a left turn to land to the east and the engine "suddenly regained power." He then turned the glider to return to the airport, but when he leveled the wings the engine again stopped producing power. Lacking the altitude to return to the airport, the pilot chose a road for a forced landing. The landing area was blocked with cars and power poles, so he landed the glider "hard" in the grass adjacent to the roadway to avoid the obstacles. A detailed examination of the glider revealed that with electrical power applied, the fuel boost pump did not pump fuel from the pump outlet port.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA001 for the full record.