Amateur-built SH II N279G accident near San Bernardino, California

Probable cause

A fuel leak caused by age-degraded fuel hoses, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and fire before takeoff. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance.

NTSB analysis

After the pilot advanced the throttle for takeoff, the engine lost all power and a fire erupted in the engine compartment of the experimental amateur-built airplane, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

Construction of the airplane was completed almost 31 years before the accident, and the airplane sat idle for the 15 years leading up to its last inspection, about 8 months (33 flight hours) before the accident. The fire appeared to originate in the area of the gascolator and engine-driven fuel pump, an area that would have experienced relative movement between the engine and airframe while in operation. The airplane was equipped with rubber fuel hoses, none of which appeared to have been replaced since the airplane was built. It is likely that the hoses, due to their excessive age, degraded and became brittle over time, resulting in a fuel leak and eventual fire.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19TA186 for the full record.