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NTSB Report

January 8, 2003 · Carlisle Comp Air 6 · N628

Groesbeck, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 8, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Groesbeck, TX
Aircraft
Carlisle Comp Air 6
Tail Number
N628
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA077

Prior to departure, the airplane's fuel tanks were filled with 53 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. In cruise flight at 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine lost total power. At the time the engine lost power, the pilot stated that the right main fuel tank selector switch was ON. The pilot then switched ON the fuel selector to the left main tank, turned ON the fuel boost pump, and attempted to restart the engine; however, the restart was unsuccessful. The pilot then executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the engine momentarily regained power, and the pilot overshot his intended landing area in the field. Subsequently, the airplane contacted soft terrain, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The fuel system was comprised of left and right main fuel tank and a header tank. The left and right main fuel tanks drained into the header tank, and the header tank was connected to the engine. The pilot had the option to open and/or close the fuel valves for the left main, right main, and header fuel tanks.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel selector position which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the soft terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On January 8, 2003, approximately 0920 central standard time, a Carlisle Comp Air 6 single engine experimental airplane, N628, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a field following a loss of engine power during cruise flight near Groesbeck, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered and operated by the pilot, who was also the builder of the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed the Easterwood Field Airport (CLL), College Station, Texas, at 0840, and was destined for the Denton Municipal Airport (DTO), Denton, Texas. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that prior to the airplane's departure from CLL, the airplane's fuel tanks were filled with 53 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. In cruise flight at 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine lost power. At the time the engine lost power, the pilot stated that the right main fuel tank selector switch was ON. The pilot then switched the fuel selector to the left main tank, turned ON the fuel boost pump, and attempted to restart the engine; however, the restart was unsuccessful. The pilot then executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the engine momentarily regained power, and the pilot overshot his intended touchdown zone in the field. Subsequently, the airplane contacted soft terrain, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The Carlisle Comp Air 6 fuel system was comprised of left and right main fuel tank and a header tank. The left and right main fuel tanks drained into the header tank, and the header tank was connected to the engine. The pilot had the option to open and/or close the fuel valves for the left main, right main, and header fuel tanks. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) Recommendation (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented) section, the pilot reported the following: "Addition of a header tank low level alarm". A representative from airplane kit manufacturer reported that an optional header tank low level annuciator light and aural alarm system was available. According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, both wing spars were bent. The inspector also noted that fuel was leaking from the fuel vents.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCarlisle Comp Air 6
Tail NumberN628
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 36 C
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data