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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 17, 1986 · Champion 7KCAB · N1638G

Merritt Island, FL

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Aircraft
Champion 7KCAB
Tail Number
N1638G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA86LA238

THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS TOWING A BANNER THE ENGINE LOST FUEL PRESSURE AND THE RPM BEGAN TO DETERIORATE. HE DROPPED HIS BANNER AND TRIED TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE AIRPORT BUT COULDN'T AND LANDED SHORT OF RUNWAY 29 IN THE WATER. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED CAUSING THE LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE EXPERIENCED BY THE PILOT.

Full Narrative

THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS TOWING A BANNER THE ENGINE LOST FUEL PRESSURE AND THE RPM BEGAN TO DETERIORATE. HE DROPPED HIS BANNER AND TRIED TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE AIRPORT BUT COULDN'T AND LANDED SHORT OF RUNWAY 29 IN THE WATER. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED CAUSING THE LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE EXPERIENCED BY THE PILOT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:57 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7KCAB
Tail NumberN1638G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 30000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data