CEN25LA009

The pilot had recently performed maintenance to the engine carburetor and fuel lines, then completed multiple full-power engine tests before the accident flight. The preflight and engine run-up before takeoff were normal and no anomalies were noted. During the takeoff roll, the engine achieved full rpm. About 100 ft above ground level, the engine exhibited a reduction in power to idle rpm. Due to a stationary train car parked on a railroad track in his forward flight path, the pilot executed a low altitude right turn. During the turn, the pilot was unable to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the outlet fuel pump line was found to have an improperly sized clamp, the line was cracked, and fuel was leaking from the fuel pump line to the carburetor. No other mechanical issues were noted with the airplane or engine. Based on the fuel system evidence, it was likely the partial loss of engine power resulted from fuel starvation due to the improper maintenance of the fuel system.

On October 8, 2024, about 1055 central daylight time, a Quicksilver GT 400, N2490H, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Garden Ridge, Texas. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he had recently performed maintenance to the engine carburetor and fuel lines, then completed multiple full-power engine tests before the accident flight. The preflight and engine run-up before takeoff were normal and no anomalies were noted. During the takeoff roll, the engine achieved full rpm. About 100 ft above ground level, the engine exhibited a reduction in power to idle rpm. Due to a stationary train car parked on a railroad track in his forward flight path, the pilot executed a low altitude right turn. The pilot reported “the turn I made caused an unsurvivable loss of speed from which I could not roll the wings out and flare enough to soften the touchdown.” The airplane impacted terrain, came to rest upright, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces. One propeller blade was fractured near the hub. The propeller was manually rotated, and mechanical continuity was established in the engine. The outlet fuel pump fuel line was found to have an improperly sized clamp, the line was cracked, and fuel was leaking from the fuel line that ran between the fuel pump and the carburetor. No other mechanical issues were noted with the airplane or engine.