# NTSB CEN09LA341: Huston Charles D Pitts S-12, N922TP, Spicewood, TX, June 5, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 4, 2009, 20:00 local (Jun 5, 2009, 01:00 UTC) - Place: Spicewood, TX - Coordinates: 30.479881, -98.160316 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4799&lon=-98.1603&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Prior to flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/100) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Prior to flight: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report May 6, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 73973 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09LA341 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73973/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=73973 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA341 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the presence of an unidentified contaminant in the fuel system which clogged the fuel flow sensor. Contributing to the accident was the manufacturer’s installation of the fuel flow sensor upstream of the fuel filter and the misleading fuel schematic published by the airplane kit manufacturer. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Engine fuel and control: fuel flow sensor](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Related operating info (probable cause); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333/cases.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333/cases.md) - [Engine fuel and control: fuel flow sensor](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333/cases.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Engine fuel and control: fuel flow sensor](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Damaged/degraded; cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333/cases.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057333/cases.md) - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Owner/builder (probable cause); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) - [Design: policy/procedure development](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04011025): Organizational issues › Development · Manufacturer (probable cause); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04011025/cases.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 17 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04011025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Fuel contamination](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193) (defining event); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 225 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/193/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern base: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Landing: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092); cases with it: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=056265H), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airplane was on departure when the engine started sputtering and lost power. The pilot turned toward the runway and landed beside the runway in the dirt, substantially damaging the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel flow sensor, which was located upstream of the fuel flow filter, was clogged with an unidentified substance and there was particulate matter in the fuel lines. The source of the substances could not be determined. The experimental airplane manufacturer installed the fuel flow sensor upstream of the fuel flow filter as depicted on a fuel flow schematic, provided for information only, by the airplane airframe kit manufacturer. The installation instructions for the fuel flow sensor indicated the fuel flow sensor should be installed downstream of a fuel filter. ## Factual narrative On June 4, 2009, about 2000 central daylight time, a Huston Pitts S-12 homebuilt airplane, N922TP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Spicewood Airport (88R), Spicewood, Texas. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he was flying the 23rd flight in the airplane since it was certified in July, 2008. He was planning on flying a local flight to practice flight characteristics. Prior to flight he "topped off" the fuel tanks. He said preflight and run-up were normal and the fuel checked from the airplane tanks was clean. During climb out from initial takeoff and about 500 feet above the ground (AGL), the master caution light illuminated and the pilot received a "Fuel Pressure" message. The pilot immediately turned to a downwind leg. Soon afterward the engine started sputtering. The pilot turned on the electric fuel boost pump and the engine did not respond. The engine quit when the pilot was approximately abeam midfield, so he turned immediately towards the runway and elected to land in the grass beside the paved runway. During landing the airplane bounced three times before coming to a rest beside the runway. Examination of the airplane showed the engine firewall and both lower wing spars bent. The wing fuel tanks were ruptured and did not contain any fuel. Fuel captured from a fuel line contained small particles of an unidentified substance. The Floscan 201B-6 fuel flow sensor, which was located upstream of the fuel filter, was obstructed with an unidentified substance. The source of the unidentified substance was not located. The airplane was a homebuilt, experimental airplane, manufactured by the pilot. During manufacture the fuel flow sensor was installed upstream of the fuel filter. The pilot told investigators he installed the fuel flow sensor upstream of the fuel filter as depicted on the Pitts Model 12 fuel schematic provided for reference by the airplane airframe kit manufacturer, Jim Kimball Enterprises, Inc. A representative of the airplane airframe kit manufacturer stated the fuel schematic was provided for reference only. He also stated the manufacturer was responsible for determining the location of components per their desires and the installation instructions of each particular component. The notes section of the installation instructions for the Floscan 201B-6 state “The transducer should be mounted downstream of a fuel filter.” ## Aircraft - Registration: [N922TP](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N922TP), registered now, S/N 188, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: HUSTON CHARLES D PITTS S-12 - Registry model: [Huston Charles D PITTS MODEL 12](https://openairdocs.org/model/huston-charles-d-pitts-model-12) (registry code 056265H) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Vedeneyev M14P](https://openairdocs.org/engine/vedeneyev-m14p) (registry code 63601, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 188 - Airframe hours: 19 - Engines: Vedeneyev M-14P 360 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Huston Charles D - Registered owner: Huston Charles D - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, July 3, 2008 - Departed: 88R, Spicewood, TX - Destination: 88R, Spicewood, TX - Airport: 88R, Spicewood Airport, runway 35, 4,185 × 30 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 54; injuries: minor; commercial, private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 12, 2008; seat: rear; flight hours: 6,100 total, 23 in this make and model, 6,100 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.97 inHg - Observed at: RYW ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20090604011659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090604011659A), Jun 4, 2009: Amtr PITTSMODEL12, Spicewood, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) After departing the Spicewood Airport, the amateur built pitts model 12, N922TP, lost power and the pilot made an emergency landing, beside the runway at… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 2, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=73973. 586 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 446 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40324881&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Maps or Charts of Accident Area, Wreckage Diagrams (item 2, .PDF, 20 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40324882&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maps%20or%20Charts%20of%20Accident%20Area,%20Wreckage%20Diagrams-Master.PDF - Photo Wreckage 1 (item 3, .PDF, 72 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40324883&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Wreckage%201-Master.PDF - Photo - Wreckage 2 (item 4, .PDF, 49 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40324884&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Wreckage%202-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.