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January 26, 2021 · Zenair Zodiac 601HDS · N444PZ

Waller, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 26, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Waller, TX
Aircraft
Zenair Zodiac 601HDS (1995)
Tail Number
N444PZ
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA117

The pilot reported that the preflight run-up and takeoff were normal, and the engine operated normally during the initial takeoff climb. However, about 150 to 200 ft above ground level, the pilot heard two “pops,” and the engine lost power. He executed a forced landing to an open field. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel line at the engine-driven (mechanical) fuel pump inlet was separated from the pump fitting. Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies with respect to the engine assembly or the reduction gearbox. However, minimal fuel (one drop) was found in the fuel pump, and no fuel was found in either carburetor bowl. It is likely that the fuel line at the engine-driven pump was not fully secured and became disconnected during the accident flight, which resulted in fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power due to a disconnected fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On January 26, 2021, about 1530 central standard time, a Zenair Zodiac 601 HDS airplane, N444PZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Waller, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot recalled that the preflight run-up and takeoff were normal, and that the engine seemed to be producing “plenty of power.” However, about 150 to 200 ft above ground level, the pilot heard two “pops,” and the engine lost power. He executed a forced landing to an open field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector on-scene after the accident noted that the fuel line at the engine-driven (mechanical) fuel pump inlet was separated from the pump fitting. A postrecovery engine examination did not reveal any anomalies with respect to the engine assembly or the reduction gearbox. During the examination, minimal fuel (one drop) was found in the engine-driven fuel pump, and no fuel was found in either carburetor bowl.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest AirportSkydive Houston (1nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length3030 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftZenair Zodiac 601HDS
Tail NumberN444PZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912UL · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.83 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data