# NTSB CEN12LA253: Bumford-Royer Christen Eagle II, N80BH, Pearland, TX, April 22, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 22, 2012, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC) - Place: Pearland, TX - Coordinates: 29.52111, -95.241943 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5211&lon=-95.2419&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report June 11, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Houston FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 83460 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN12LA253 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/83460/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83460 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA253 ## Probable cause A loose B nut on the fuel inlet line due to maintenance personnel’s application of insufficient torque on the nut at an unknown time, which resulted in a fuel leak and a subsequent total loss of engine power during initial climb. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Engine fuel and control: fuel distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057310): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057310/cases.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 55 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057310/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Malfunction (probable cause); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) - [Action: forgotten action/omission](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 440 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/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: Aircraft maintenance event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 484 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0565898), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power during initial climb, and the pilot subsequently attempted to turn back toward the airport but was unable to reach the airport or a suitable forced landing area. The airplane impacted trees and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. A large fuel spill occurred, but no postimpact fire ensued. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that a B nut attaching the fuel supply line was only "finger tight" and was able to be loosened with finger pressure. Further, evidence of dye from a fuel stain was observed near the loose B nut. A review of maintenance records revealed that maintenance had recently been performed in that area of the engine; however, when the insufficient torque was applied to the B nut could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On April 22, 2012, about 1620 central daylight time, a Bumford-Royer, Christen Eagle II, N80BH, impacted terrain during initial climb at Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ), Pearland, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to Cottonwood Motors of Santa Fe, and operated by the pilot, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. At the time of the accident the airplane was departing from LVJ for a local flight. A witness said the airplane was near the north end of the runway and had climbed to about 300 to 400 feet above ground level when they heard a loss of engine power. Other witnesses reported hearing popping or sputtering soon after the airplane became airborne. After the total loss of engine power the pilot attempted a left turn back toward the airport, but was unable to reach a suitable forced landing area. The airplane impacted trees and the bank of a drainage ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Emergency responders reported there was a substantial fuel spill, but no postimpact fire. A J. P. Instruments EDM-700 panel-mounted engine monitoring system was removed from the wreckage and examined at the National Transportation Safety Board Recorders Laboratory in Washington, DC. Data downloaded from that unit showed that engine fuel flow (FF) increased about 6 minutes and 50 seconds after the recorded data began, corresponding to the application of takeoff power. There was a decrease in FF and EGT about 30 seconds later which corresponded to the loss of engine power. Data ended after a total of 7 minutes and 30 seconds. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that a "B nut" attaching the fuel supply line to the flow divider was found "finger tight." Further, there was evidence of dye from a fuel stain in the lower surface of the engine crankcase in the area of the fuel supply line. There had been recent maintenance performed in that area of the engine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80BH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80BH-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N 0001, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BUMFORD-ROYER CHRISTEN EAGLE II - Registry model: [Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II](https://openairdocs.org/model/bumford-royer-christen-eagle-ii) (registry code 0565898) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 0001 - Year built: 1983 - Airframe hours: 489 - Engines: LYCOMING IO 360-A1D 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, April 20, 2012, 0 hours before - Departed: LVJ, Pearland, TX - Destination: LVJ, Pearland, TX - Airport: LVJ, Pearland Regional Airport, runway 32, 4,313 × 75 ft, concrete - Equipment: Handheld GPS ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 24, 2010; seat: front; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 887 total, 276 in this make and model, 810 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 0 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 280° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.01 inHg - Observed at: KLVJ, 1 nm away ## 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 20120422009129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120422009129A), Apr 22, 2012: Bumford-Royer CHRISTEN EAGLE II, Pearland, TX, Substantial damage. On 04/22/2012 at approximately 16:30 CDT an experimental, amateur- built aircraft, N80BH, make: Bumford-Royer, model: Christen Eagle II,crashed, after take-off… ## Docket (13 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 12, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83460. 11.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412193&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Witness Statements (item 2, .PDF, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412194&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Master.PDF - Maps (item 3, .PDF, 234 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412195&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maps-Master.PDF - NVM 17 - Specialist's Factual Report (item 4, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40381351&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NVM%2017%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Master.PDF - NVM 17 - Attachment 1 Tabular data (item 5, .CSV, 4 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40381349&FileExtension=.csv&FileName=NVM%2017%20-%20Attachment%201%20Tabular%20data-Master.csv - Summary of On-Scene Examination Findings (item 6, .PDF, 60 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412192&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Summary%20of%20On-Scene%20Examination%20Findings-Master.PDF - Correspondence - Monckton - Opinion on Cause of Accident (item 7, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412196&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Correspondence%20-%20Monckton%20-%20Opinion%20on%20Cause%20of%20Accident-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 8, .PDF, 73 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412197&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF - Photo 1. Distant view of wreckage as seen by First Responders (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 9, .PDF, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412198&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201.%20Distant%20view%20of%20wreckage%20as%20seen%20by%20First%20Responders%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2. Closer view of the wreckage (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 10, .PDF, 792 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412199&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202.%20Closer%20view%20of%20the%20wreckage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 3. Close view of the top of the engine (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 11, .PDF, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412200&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203.%20Close%20view%20of%20the%20top%20of%20the%20engine%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 4. Bottom of the engine showing fuel supply line (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 12, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412201&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204.%20Bottom%20of%20the%20engine%20showing%20fuel%20supply%20line%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 5. Close view of the bottom of the engine showing dye from a fuel stain (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 13, .PDF, 98 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412202&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205.%20Close%20view%20of%20the%20bottom%20of%20the%20engine%20showing%20dye%20from%20a%20fuel%20stain%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-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.