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July 24, 2010 · Mulloy Charles Zodiac 601XL · N601CX

Enochville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Enochville, NC
Aircraft
Mulloy Charles Zodiac 601XL
Tail Number
N601CX
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10LA374

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the engine lost power. He performed a forced landing into a wooded area and the airplane came to rest inverted. Examination of the fuel system found water in the fuel line between the engine driven fuel pump, the carburetor, and the fuel strainer. With the exception of the water in the fuel, no additional evidence of any other preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was found. Had the pilot checked the fuel before flight, he likely would have noted the presence of water and should have drained it.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight of the fuel system.

Full Narrative

On July 24, 2010, at 1230 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur built Mulloy, Zodiac 601XL, N601CX, received substantial damage when it crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 31, at the Farrell James Airfield (PVT), Kannapolis, North Carolina. The certificated commercial pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The airplane was registered to and operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The flight was origination at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff the engine lost full power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a wooded area and the airplane came to rest inverted. Damage to the airplane included wings, the empennage, and the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the airplane inverted in a heavily wooded area off the end of runway 31. The airplane came to rest on a heading of 308 degrees magnetic. Flight control continuity was established for all control surfaces. Examination of the fuel system found water in the fuel line between the engine driven fuel pump and the carburetor, and in the fuel strainer. The inspector stated that he found no other pre-existing mechanical problems with the engine following his examination. A subsequent interview with the pilot revealed that he did not recall taking samples of the fuel via the sump drains during his preflight inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:32 EDT
Nearest AirportFarrell James Airfield (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMulloy Charles Zodiac 601XL
Tail NumberN601CX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time16:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data