Amateur-built FLYER N3HH accident near Grant-Valkaria, Florida

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to a carburetor malfunction, which resulted in a forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was in cruise flight when the engine lost partial power, then total power. He restarted the engine and briefly regained partial power, but shortly thereafter, the engine again lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a road, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.

A test run of the engine indicated no anomalies; however, further inspection revealed a stuck float needle in the carburetor and a clogged carburetor vent line, which could have led to an excess vacuum in the carburetor and restricted fuel flow. It is likely that this restriction caused a transient condition that resulted in the loss of engine power that was not replicated during the test run.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA015 for the full record.