Amateur-built Kitfox 4 N620GA accident near New Castle, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a split fuel line that resulted in a fuel leak and reduced fuel supply to the aft carburetor.

NTSB analysis

During takeoff on an instructional flight, at an altitude of about 300 ft and midfield, the airplane’s engine lost partial power. The flight instructor was unable to restore engine power, initiated a right turn, and conducted a forced landing to an open grassy area near the runway. During the landing the airplane’s right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane’s two-stroke engine revealed a fuel leak at the aft carburetor’s fuel supply line when the electric fuel pump was activated. The fuel line exhibited a split extending from the end of the line to beneath the clamp area. The observed split in the fuel line would have reduced fuel supply and pressure to the rear carburetor and was consistent with the reported partial loss of engine power. Maintenance records indicated that the airplane had accrued 10 flight hours since its most recent condition inspection, about 3 months before the accident. The records also showed that the airplane’s fuel lines had been replaced nearly 2 years and less than 40 hours prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA041 for the full record.