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NTSB Report

August 11, 2005 · Mccain RV-8 · N2071D

Stephenville, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Stephenville, TX
Aircraft
Mccain RV-8
Tail Number
N2071D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW05CA210

A 500-hour pilot had just departed the airfield and was in cruise flight on a cross-country flight when he experienced a loss of fuel pressure and subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot turned on the electrically driven fuel pump and switched fuel tanks several times. Fuel pressure and engine power were not regained. During the forced landing to a field, the airplane impacted trees. Examination of the airplane's fuel system failed to identify any anomalies. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of fuel pressure and subsequent loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On August 11, 2005, approximately 1630 central daylight time, a homebuilt McCain RV-8 single-engine airplane, N2071D, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Stephenville, Texas. The private pilot/owner, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The cross-country flight originated from Clark Field (SEP), near Stephenville, Texas, at approximately 1630 and was en route to the Brownwood Regional Airport (BWD), near Brownwood, Texas. In a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator in charge (IIC), the 500-hour pilot stated that he departed SEP and was in cruise flight when he experienced a loss of fuel pressure, with a subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot turned on an electrically driven fuel pump and switched fuel tanks several times. The fuel pressure or engine power were not regained. The pilot initiated a forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted trees, coming to rest in a clearing. Multiple attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot were unsuccessful. Examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The two wing fuel tanks had been breached by the accident, but the right tank still contained approximately half of it's total capacity. Inspection by an airframe and powerplant mechanic of the airplane's fuel system, including the fuel pumps, lines and selector valve did not reveal a reason for the reported loss of fuel pressure. At 1645, the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at SEP reported wind from 170 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 16 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 63 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 29.94 inches of Mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMccain RV-8
Tail NumberN2071D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 12 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time21:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data