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May 30, 2003 · Denis Cozy · N794WD

Kailua-Kona, HI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 30, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kailua-Kona, HI
Aircraft
Denis Cozy
Tail Number
N794WD
Operator
John Totah
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX03LA171

Following a loss of engine power during takeoff, the private pilot attempted to make a 180-degree turn to land on the taxiway. Half-way through the turn, the airplane touched down at the end of the taxiway, and slid across lava rocks. Examination of the engine revealed that the fuel filter was clogged with soft material that looked like sand. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies noted with the airplane or engine prior to takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

A clogged fuel filter, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb.

Full Narrative

On May 30, 2003, at 0907 Hawaiian standard time, an experimental Denis Cozy airplane, N794WD, lost engine power and impacted terrain at the Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The private pilot operated the borrowed airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and the private pilot/co-owner passenger were not injured. The personal local area flight departed KOA about 0905. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The primary wreckage was at 19 degrees 44 minutes north latitude and 156 degrees 02 minutes west longitude. According to the pilot, after takeoff the engine lost power. He looked down at the fuel filter, which was physically located in the cockpit, and noted that it was clogged. The pilot attempted to turn the airplane 180 degrees to land on the taxiway. He indicated that 90 degrees into the turn the airplane landed at the end of the taxiway and onto a dried lava bed. The airplane's landing gear was sheared off after the airplane slid across lava rocks. The pilot stated that the airplane was refueled that morning, and prior to take off, the fuel filter was clear. After the accident he looked inside the fuel filter and noted that the substance was a soft material that looked like sand. The pilot stated there were no unresolved mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, when he inspected the engine he noted that the fuel filter was clogged with a foreign substance.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:07 HST
Nearest AirportKeahole-Kona International (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDenis Cozy
Tail NumberN794WD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJohn Totah
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data