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October 9, 1995 · Kelosky Pulsar XP · N95RK

Zelienople, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 9, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Zelienople, PA
Aircraft
Kelosky Pulsar XP
Tail Number
N95RK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA005

The airplane lifted off during a high speed taxi check. The pilot believed there was insufficient runway remaining to land and stop, so he continued climbing. During the climb, about 200 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which, the airplane impacted a wire and nosed down. Postaccident examination revealed that there was a fuel flow restriction at the left wing, quick disconnect fitting. The fuel selector was found positioned to the left tank, and fuel was observed leaking from the left tank. A safety bulletin was issued by the manufacturer, which stated that the quick disconnect fittings were restricting fuel flow, and the manufacturer 'advised everyone in the September, 1995 Newsletter to cease flight operations until replacing the quick disconnects.' Additionally, the pilot reported he had ordered the new quick disconnects, but had not received them as of the accident date.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot inadvertently allowed the airplane to lift-off during a high speed taxi check, while operating the airplane with a known deficiency that consisted of a partially blocked quick disconnect fitting, which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On October 9, 1995, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Pulsar XP, an experimental, homebuilt airplane, N95RK, collided with wires during a forced landing at the Zelienople Airport, Zelienople, Pennsylvania. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local, personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he was performing a taxi test, during which he lifted off the runway and climbed to 50' above the ground, with the intent to land again; however, he continued with the climb, with the concern of not having enough runway length to land and stop. During the climb, about 200' above the ground, the engine lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted wires and nosed straight down. Postaccident examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector revealed that the left quick disconnect fitting, used to facilitate removal of the wing, was restricting fuel flow. The right wing quick disconnect fitting allowed normal fuel flow. The fuel selector valve was in the left tank position. Fuel was observed leaking out of the left wing fuel tank, and the right wing fuel tank was full. The manufacturer issued a safety bulletin which stated: ...One of our Pulsar XP builders reported poor engine performance during ground runs prior to first flight. The problem was a lack of fuel flow from the wing tank to the engine. After much testing, the cause was traced to the quick disconnects....It is possible that the seal material used in the disconnects may not be compatible with certain new types of fuel additives, such as methanol alcohol in auto fuel. If the seals swell when subjected to these additives, fuel flow will be limited through the fittings. When we heard of this potential problem, we immediately advised everyone in the September, 1995 newsletter to cease flight operations until replacing the quick disconnects. Additionally, the FAA Inspector stated: ...The aircraft owner stated that he had contacted Aero Designs about the quick-disconnect O-ring problem....The owner did request replacement fittings from the manufacturer, which had not been received as of October 9, [1995].

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportZelienople Municipal (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length4102 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKelosky Pulsar XP
Tail NumberN95RK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data