# NTSB investigations: Fuel pumps

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 71 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN24LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA065.md): Beech B36TC · Burnet, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 17, 2023 · N70SL · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due an overly rich mixture from an improper adjustment of the fuel pump, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with a car and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA056.md): Vans RV8 · Corona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 16, 2023 · N6948L · Substantial damage
  > Fuel contamination from the pilot’s improper application of a sealant to the fuel tank, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN23LA390](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA390.md): Zlin Aviation S R O Savage Norden · Cabot, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2023 · N7373 · Substantial damage
  > The airplane manufacturer’s routing of the fuel pump wiring next to the engine’s turbocharger and exhaust, which thermally damaged the wiring and resulted in a malfunction of the fuel delivery system and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR23LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA263.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Marble Falls, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 9, 2023 · N163RK · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from an unknown source.
- [NTSB WPR22LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA259.md): Socata TB21 · San Marcos, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 17, 2022 · N718TB · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the mechanical fuel pump due to internal friction for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR22LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA231.md): James C Geyman RV-9A · Missoula, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 27, 2022 · N12VV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to activate the auxiliary fuel boost pump, which inhibited a successful engine restart.
- [NTSB ERA22LA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA277.md): Hawker Hunter · Wilmington, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2022 · N337AX · Substantial damage
  > A bearing failure in the high-pressure fuel pump, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA22LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA239.md): Thrush S2R · Hawkinsville, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 5, 2022 · N6216M · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the electric main fuel pump due to the carbon brushes having completely worn away.
- [NTSB ERA22LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA186.md): Henry L Berrier JR Arion Lightning LS-1 · Mountain City, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 7, 2022 · N6688S · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to intermittent operation of both the engine-driven fuel pump and the electric boost pump. Contributing was the pilot’s delay in rejecting the takeoff, after the initial loss of engine power, which resulted in a collision with…
- [NTSB CEN22LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA018.md): Cessna 210 · Dallas, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 20, 2021 · N1235U · Substantial damage
  > A temporary loss of engine power during the takeoff due to a damaged fuel pump, which resulted in a forced landing and a runway excursion. The source of the damage to the fuel pump could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN21LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA319.md): Air Tractor AT-401 · Carroll, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2021 · N7315P · Substantial damage
  > The wear-related failure of the airframe fuel boost pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN21LA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA276.md): Autogyro Cavalon · Collinsville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 16, 2021 · N46JS · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of both fuel pumps, which resulted in fuel starvation. The reason for the failure of both fuel pumps could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA21FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA154.md): Beech B36 · Pembroke Pines, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 15, 2021 · N236BC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s likely activation of the auxiliary fuel pump to “high” for undetermined reasons during takeoff, which resulted in total loss of engine power due to an excessively rich fuel-to-air mixture. Also causal was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s…
- [NTSB ERA21LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA062.md): Ercoupe 415 · South Boston, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2020 · N2674H · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of a fuel filter screen cover gasket, which resulted in its failure, fuel starvation, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the unapproved fuel sight gauge, which obscured…
- [NTSB ANC21LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA003.md): Hughes 369 · Honolulu, HI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 27, 2020 · N58251 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to an obstructed fuel line as a result of the separation of the circlip from the pin used on the fuel start pump. The reason for the circlip separation could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA21FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA010.md): Czech Sport Cruiser · Waterloo, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 7, 2020 · N251SC · Substantial damage
  > The improper configuration of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation following the failure of the electric fuel pump.
- [NTSB ERA20LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA271.md): American AA 5 · Dunnellon, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 1, 2020 · N7192L · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of improper installation and inspection of the airplane’s fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of certification and knowledge in aircraft maintenance.
- [NTSB CEN20LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA263.md): Piper PA32 · Eveleth, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 5, 2020 · N4079R · Destroyed
  > The seizure of the airplane’s engine-driven fuel pump due to internal contamination, which led to a total loss of engine power. The source of the contamination could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN20LA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA208.md): Piper PA32 · Fargo, ND · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 3, 2020 · N3869W · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the engine driven fuel pump which led to a fuel leak and subsequent fire in the engine compartment.
- [NTSB ERA20LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA127.md): Piper PA23 · Albemarle, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 5, 2020 · N335W · Substantial damage
  > The pilots' failure to ensure that the electric fuel pumps were on before takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of power on both engines during initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA20LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA050.md): Zenith Zodiac CH-650 · Willow Springs, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 8, 2019 · N914AR · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance practices on the fuel system causing fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC19FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19FA021.md): Bradshaw / McCauley Giles G-202 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 30, 2019 · N202AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control after the partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a contamination of the fuel system, which likely seized the electric fuel pump and restricted fuel flow to the engine.
- [NTSB ANC19FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19FA018.md): Beech A60 · Santa Rosa, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 2019 · N102SN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to his failure to maintain appropriate control inputs and airspeed after shutting down an engine because of a progressive failure of the pressure relief valve in the fuel pump, which resulted in variable fuel pressure…
- [NTSB CEN19LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA126.md): Piper PA28 · Dwight, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 19, 2019 · N838JH · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a restriction in fuel flow for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA19LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA014.md): Hargrove Hummel Ultra Cruiser · Zephyrhills, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 15, 2018 · N245AP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to activate the airplane’s auxiliary fuel pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the impairing effects of the pilot’s medication on his performance.
- [NTSB ERA18TA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18TA203.md): Beech C90 · Lecanto, FL · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 26, 2018 · N717X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to turn on the fuel transfer pumps in accordance with the published checklists, which resulted in a dual loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN18LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA229.md): Cessna T210F · Desdemona, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2018 · N6107R · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the fuel pump’s fuel flow setting being set too high, which resulted in an excessive fuel flow to the engine.
- [NTSB WPR18FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA093.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · San Diego, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2018 · N707DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the runway following a total loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the excessive amount of…
- [NTSB ERA18TA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18TA076.md): Vertical Aviation Technologies 260L Hummingbird · Harrisville, NY · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jan 28, 2018 · N4045 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of an electric fuel pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.
- [NTSB ANC18LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA004.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · Tuskegee, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2017 · N289CM · Substantial damage
  > An improperly adjusted slope controller and fuel pump that resulted in an excessively high fuel flow, an extremely rich mixture, a rough-running engine, and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR18LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA006.md): Nanchang China CJ 6 · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 9, 2017 · N8NW · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the fuel pump’s diaphragm which resulted in fuel system contamination from air and or oil and caused the engine to lose power.
- [NTSB WPR17LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA059.md): Beech E 55 · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2017 · N711YK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to select the proper fuel boost pump setting for the left auxiliary fuel pump, which allowed for an excessive fuel flow to the left engine, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and airplane control during an attempted go-around.
- [NTSB CEN17LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA011.md): Fokker DR-1 · Fulshear, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2016 · N83WR · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the improper assembly of the mechanical fuel pump.
- [NTSB CEN16LA387](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA387.md): Pahnke Vernon A Vans RV 9A · Newark, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2016 · N699RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly assemble the fuel pump, which resulted in the loss of fuel pressure and the subsequent partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA16LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA299.md): Progressive Aerodyne Searey · Sebring, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2016 · N801SR · Substantial damage
  > A disconnected ground wire during initial climb, which degraded the fuel boost pumps’ performance and resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA16LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA268.md): Frank Ware Velocity TXL · Sebastian, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2016 · N916TC · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to maintenance personnel’s improper setting of the aneroid adjustment.
- [NTSB ERA16LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA226.md): Rockwell International 112A · Dayton, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2016 · N1299J · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the engine-driven fuel pump.
- [NTSB CEN16LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA221.md): Flight Design Ctsw HXB · Sealy, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2016 · N302CT · Destroyed
  > Failure of maintenance personnel to comply with the engine manufacturer’s mandatory service bulletin, which resulted in failure of the mechanical fuel pump diaphragm and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN16LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA219.md): Flohr David J R 80 Tiger Moth · Decatur, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2016 · N8CX · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the electric fuel boost pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA16LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA162.md): Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2008 · Burgaw, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 16, 2016 · N588TA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to activate the airplane’s alternator, which resulted in an eventual loss of electrical power to the engine’s fuel pumps, fuel starvation, and a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s use of an incomplete checklist.
- [NTSB ERA16FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA144.md): Bell 206 · Pigeon Forge, TN · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2016 · N16760 · Destroyed
  > An inflight loss of engine power due to a failure of the engine fuel pump, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain during the subsequent autorotation. The failure of the engine fuel pump resulted from the absence of adequate grease leading to…
- [NTSB CEN16LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA115.md): Beech V35 · Seymour, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2016 · N2714T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper placement of the fuel selector handle between two tank positions, which resulted in a restricted fuel flow to the engine and the initial loss of engine power, and his improper decision to use the high-boost auxiliary fuel pump for an…
- [NTSB WPR16LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA021.md): MD Helicopter 369D · Sedro-Woolley, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2015 · N510PA · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of naphthenate fuel contamination, which blocked the fuel flow through the start pump.
- [NTSB CEN15LA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA355.md): World Spirit · Granbury, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2015 · N65XT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to use the fuel boost pump following the loss of engine power and the fuel system’s inadequate design, which did not allow for equalization of fuel between the fuel tanks and led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and…
- [NTSB ERA15LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA286.md): Beech A36 · Poughkeepsie, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2015 · N6677D · Substantial damage
  > A leaking fuel discharge fitting, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and an off-airport, gear-up landing.
- [NTSB ERA15FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA221.md): BR Legend Turbine Legend · West Columbia, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 2015 · N42BR · Destroyed
  > An engine flame-out due to fuel starvation as the result of an improperly-installed auxiliary fuel pump fitting, and the pilot's failure to promptly feather the propeller following the engine-flame out, which resulted in decreased glide capability and impact…
- [NTSB WPR15LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA167.md): Beech F33A · Puyallup, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2015 · N84MD · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a mechanic’s failure to properly tighten the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet during a recent annual inspection. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off despite…
- [NTSB WPR15LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA130.md): Vans RV6A · Green Valley, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2015 · N811KM · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power during initial climb due to the disconnection of both fuel pump power wires.
- [NTSB GAA15CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA022.md): Beech A36 · New Market, IN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 17, 2015 · N900TM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and a loss of engine power en-route.
- [NTSB CEN14LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA033.md): Clevenger Jimmie B Pitts S 1S · Wellington, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 2013 · N67JC · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to a malfunctioning fuel pump.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822/cases.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01022822'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822/cases

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