Amateur-built 601 HDS N511JG accident near Altoona, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a deteriorated gascolator gasket. Contributing was the failure of the mechanic to replace the gasket during the most recent condition inspection.

NTSB analysis

Shortly after takeoff, as the airplane was climbing through 300 ft above ground level, the engine misfired, then suddenly stopped producing power. Unable to troubleshoot due to the low altitude, the pilot lowered the nose and attempted a forced landing on the remaining runway. The airplane landed hard, collapsing the landing gear and damaging the wings and airframe.

Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any engine anomalies; however, an examination of the fuel system revealed the fuel gascolator was installed partially outside of the engine compartment, exposing it to the air slipstream. The gascolator exhibited features consistent with a fuel leak. The gascolator bowl was not completely secure to the upper portion of the gascolator and it leaked fuel when touched by hand.

The most recent engine maintenance was completed about 10 days before the accident and, although the fuel gascolator gasket was not mentioned in the logbook entry, a fuel system inspection was documented. The condition of the gasket would have warranted replacement.

The gascolator bowl gasket was stiff and cracked, which likely allowed fuel to leak out during the flight, starving the engine of fuel. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power and hard landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA030 for the full record.