North American T 6G N22NA accident near Naples, Florida

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations of the airframe and engine fuel system components revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.

NTSB analysis

According to the airline transport pilot, during the initial climb for the personal flight, when the airplane was about 150 to 250 ft above the ground, the engine lost all power. He lowered the landing gear, maintained flying airspeed, and then landed the airplane in the grass right of the runway. The airplane subsequently collided with a runway distance remaining sign and came to a stop.

The pilot reported that there were 113 gallons of fuel on board the airplane at takeoff, and postaccident examination revealed that there was an adequate supply of fuel in the fuel tanks. However, during examination of the engine fuel system components, no fuel was found in the fuel line from the outlet of the mechanical fuel pump to the fuel flow transducer nor at the carburetor inlet fitting, consistent with fuel starvation. Further examination of the engine and remaining components of the fuel system revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure, and the reason for the fuel interruption to the engine could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA030 for the full record.