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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 4, 2016 · Ariosto James J Ariosto Mustang II · N12JA

Normangee, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 4, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Normangee, TX
Aircraft
Ariosto James J Ariosto Mustang II (1992)
Tail Number
N12JA
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA121

During cruise flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, the private pilot attempted to move the fuel selector from the left to the right fuel tank. During that process, the engine lost power, and the airplane sustained substantial damage during the subsequent forced landing. The pilot reported that he had recently modified the fuel system, and, while attempting to select the right fuel tank, he inadvertently starved the engine of fuel. The pilot reported no problems with the engine before the loss of engine power and stated that the engine lost power because he used improper procedures while attempting to change the fuel selector.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel selector positioning procedures during the flight.

Full Narrative

On March 4, 2016, at 1230 central standard time, an Ariosto Mustang II experimental airplane, N12JA, impacted terrain following a loss of engine power near Normangee, Texas. The private pilot sustained serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed at an unknown time. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who interviewed the pilot, the pilot was attempting to change the fuel draw from the left to right fuel tank, but starved the engine of fuel in the change process due to a new modification in the fuel system. The pilot reported no problems with the engine prior to the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The pilot stated the engine lost power due to improper procedures completed by him while switching fuel tanks. Examination of the accident site by the FAA inspector revealed the airplane impacted terrain in a left wing, nose low attitude. The airplane came to rest upright in a field that was surrounded by trees. The engine and firewall were separated from the fuselage. The left wing fuel tank was compromised and right wing fuel tank contained an unknown amount of fuel. One propeller blade remained attached to the hub and no damage was noted, and one propeller blade was separated near the hub.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAriosto James J Ariosto Mustang II
Tail NumberN12JA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time18:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data