In an email sent to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector by the student pilot, he reported that the experimental seaplane, an Aventura II, experienced a partial loss of engine power during takeoff about 400 feet above the ground near Fenton, Michigan.
He turned the seaplane toward the lake but as he ran out of “speed,” he “pitched it to the right into some trees.”
A post-accident examination of the engine by the FAA inspector revealed that the fuel supply line to the forward carburetor was cracked and leaking. The cracked portion of the line was about half inch outboard of the carburetor fuel intake fitting.The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage when it hit trees.
Probable cause: The failure of the student pilot to ensure that the experimental seaplane was airworthy prior to take off.
NTSB Identification: GAA15CA143
This July 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Well, I agree that in particular, a student pilot shouldn’t be expected to check fuel lines but should make sure that whoever authorized his use of the aircraft is ethical enough to occasionally do maintenance on his aircraft. Someone was taking advantage of this guy unless he was the owner. Fuel lines don’t crack right away, it takes a good while to develop.
The accident occurred at touchdown. The cause of landing was the engine failure, the accident was caused by the inability to find or attain a decent landing area
Sure “” Blame this one on the Pilot, I agree with BJS some things happen
that you least expect. Murphys Law
Have i missed something in all of my training? i have never.seen a checklist that includes checking the fuel lines to the carb.
Yeah, sure everyone takes the hood off their plane and checks the fuel supply line prior to a flight. Most pilots also remove the cylinder head and check the pistons too.