# NTSB CEN17LA368: Eris E. Ervin Quicksilver, N5112S, Cleburne, TX, September 25, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 25, 2017, 17:27 local (22:27 UTC) - Place: Cleburne, TX - Coordinates: 32.409721, -97.387222 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4097&lon=-97.3872&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: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report October 10, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA North Texas Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 96090 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN17LA368 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96090/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96090 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA368 ## Probable cause An engine loss of power due to fuel starvation from a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine; the loss of engine power prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the engine and its components. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 397 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820/cases.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 141 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820/cases.md) - [Maintenance/inspections](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010500): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010500/cases.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 103 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010500/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: qualification/certification](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot; cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 280 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05902NH), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The noncertificated pilot was departing in the experimental light sport airplane when the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the runway, but the airplane impacted trees and a fence west of the departure end of the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel line between the fuel tank and engine was brittle and cracked and had broken. Both carburetor bowls were dry. Additionally, putty was found at the fuel tank outlet connector, consistent with a repair to prevent or fix a fuel leak, and the engine air filter was dirty. Although no maintenance records were located, the condition of the engine and its components suggested that it was not being properly maintained. It is likely that the engine experienced a total loss of power due to fuel starvation as a result of the broken fuel line; the loss of engine power prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Toxicological testing found potentially impairing drugs in the pilot; however, it is unlikely that the negative effects of the drugs directly contributed to the outcome of this accident. ## Factual narrative On September 25, 2017, about 1730 central daylight time, a Quicksilver GT 400S experimental light sport airplane, N5112S, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Blackwood Airport (TX46), Cleburne, Texas. The noncertificated pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the accident site and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight which was originating at the time of the accident. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors who responded to the scene, the airplane took off on runway 17. During the initial climb, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but the airplane impacted trees and a fence behind an apartment complex on the west side of runway 17 near the departure end of the runway. FAA inspectors noted a strong odor of fuel and found a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. The line was also brittle and cracked. The engine had two carburetors, and both carburetor bowls were dry. The fuel tank was half full. Putty had been placed around the fuel outlet connector at the bottom of the fuel tank, consistent with an attempt to prevent or repair a fuel leak. The engine air filter was dirty. The airplane had been registered to the pilot about 2 years before the accident. No flight or maintenance records were located during the investigation. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, Fort Worth, Texas, performed an autopsy on the pilot and attributed his death to "blunt trauma". A toxicology screen performed by the medical examiner's office detected ephedrine/pseudoephedrine in urine, and 301 ng/mL ephedrine/pseudoephedrine in femoral blood. Toxicology tests performed by the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory identified cetirizine, loratadine, and pseudoephedrine in subclavian blood at levels too low to quantify. Pseudoephedrine and its metabolite norpsuedoephedrine were also identified in urine. Cetirizine is a sedating antihistamine available over the counter, often marketed with the name Zyrtec. Loratadine is a non-sedating antihistamine available over the counter, often marketed with the name Claritin. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic decongestant not indicated for use by individuals with hypertension. When sold by itself, a common name is Sudafed but it is also used in combination with each of the identified antihistamine in products such as Zyrtec-D and Claritin-D. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5112S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5112S-2019-03-09), registration cancelled 2019-03-09, S/N 1419, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Eris E. Ervin Quicksilver (GT 400S) - Registry model: [Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400](https://openairdocs.org/model/ervin-eris-e-quicksilver-gt-400) (registry code 05902NH) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 503 DCDI](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-503-dcdi) (registry code 55566, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1419 - Year built: 1994 - Engines: ROTAX 503 DCDI 50 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Departed: TX46, Cleburne, TX - Destination: TX46, Cleburne, TX - Airport: TX46, Blackwood, runway 17, 2,600 × 75 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; injuries: fatal; seat: single; toxicology performed; flight hours: 25 total, 25 in this make and model, 1 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 12 knots, gusting 17 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: KCPT, 4 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 20170925011579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170925011579A), Sep 25, 2017: Ervin Eris E QUICKSILVER GT-400, Cleburne, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The non-certificated owner and operator departed in the aircraft from runway 17 at Blackwood Airpark Airport (TX46). Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft engine… ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 27, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96090. 687 KB in all. - North Texas FSDO, Accident Notification (item 1, .PDF, 69 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466965&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=North%20Texas%20FSDO,%20Accident%20Notification-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Narrative (edited) (item 2, .PDF, 45 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466966&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Narrative%20(edited)-Master.PDF - Accident Site Proximity to Blackwood Airpark (item 3, .PDF, 257 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466967&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Site%20Proximity%20to%20Blackwood%20Airpark-Master.PDF - Toxicology Report, Jade C. Rogers (item 4, .PDF, 129 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466968&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicology%20Report,%20Jade%20C.%20Rogers-Master.PDF - Report Photos (item 5, .PDF, 2 photos, 187 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466969&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Report%20Photos-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.