Amateur-built RV-6 N330PC accident near Milton, Florida

Probable cause

The incorrect installation of the fuel pickups, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the lack of documentation of the airplane’s unusable fuel.

NTSB analysis

After having a condition inspection of the experimental amateur-built airplane completed, the pilot reported performing a thorough preflight inspection, checking both fuel tanks for contamination with none noted. The left wing fuel tank contained about 7 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel and the right wing fuel tank was almost full. The preflight inspection, engine start, and run-up were normal. During initial climb, the engine sustained a total loss of power. The pilot pushed the nose over and attempted a left turn to return to the airport. The engine regained power shortly before the airplane impacted the ground and a fuel truck, resulting in substantial damage.

Postaccident examination of the engine found no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wing fuel tanks revealed that the fuel pickups in both wing fuel tanks were installed incorrectly as compared to the kit manufacturer’s plans; both lines were facing forward instead of aft. The incorrect positioning of the pickup lines made it likely that the amount of unusable fuel was greatly increased, especially at nose high pitch attitudes, such as during takeoff and initial climb, due to the fuel’s movement toward the aft portion of the tank. The pilot reported that he was not provided documentation when he bought the airplane as to the quantity of unusable fuel, nor had the unusable fuel amounts been calculated since he purchased the airplane.

A review of maintenance records showed that the kit manufacturer’s service bulletin and a service notification letter relating to fuel pickups had not been complied with. While compliance was not mandatory, if the service bulletin and service letter had been complied with, it is possible that the incorrect fuel pickup orientation would have been identified.

Although the amount of unusable fuel in the selected tank selected could not be determined (given the damage sustained to the tank during the accident), it is likely that during initial climb the engine was starved for fuel due to the incorrect installation of the pickup lines, resulting in a loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA124 for the full record.