# NTSB ERA21FA010: Czech Sport Cruiser, N251SC, Waterloo, AL, October 7, 2020 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report - Date: October 7, 2020, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC) - Place: Waterloo, AL · Heavy wooded area - Coordinates: 34.973518, -88.156303 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9735&lon=-88.1563&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Rotax, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 102113 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA21FA010 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/102113/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102113 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA010 ## Probable cause 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. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Incorrect service/maintenance; cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel pumps](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure; cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822/cases.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 71 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation; cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820/cases.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 141 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820/cases.md) - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot; cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) - [Maintenance: modification/alteration](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot; cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030/cases.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 69 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030/cases.md) - [Misc hardware: hoses and tubes](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071410): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Not installed/available; cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071410/cases.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071410/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) (defining event); cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=060002O), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot’s spouse, he departed on the morning of the accident to return home from a cross-country trip. A search was initiated when the pilot did not return as expected, and the airplane was found in a heavily wooded area about 45 nautical miles from an intermediate airport where the pilot had stopped to refuel. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the flight controls and the examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An examination of the fuel system revealed that an aftermarket electric automotive fuel pump was used in place of the recommended manufacturer’s fuel pump. The fuel pump was removed and connected directly to a 12-volt power source, and it did not operate. This type of fuel pump did not allow fuel bypass in the event of failure. According to the engine manufacturer’s fuel system installation instructions and a safety directive published by the airframe manufacturer, a bypass fuel line should be installed in the event of failure of the electric fuel pump, in order to enable a continuous supply of fuel to the engine. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation following the failure of the electric fuel pump. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to install the electric fuel pump with no bypass fuel line, contrary to published guidance from the airframe and engine manufacturers. ## Factual narrative A review of fueling records confirmed that the pilot fueled the airplane with 23 gallons of aviation fuel (100LL) before departure from 25M on the day of the accident. A review of the Rotax engine operating manual revealed that the 912 ULS series engine, under 75 % continuous performance, consumes about 4.9 gallons of fuel per hour. On October 7, 2020, about 1230 central daylight time, a Czech Aircraft Works Sportcruiser, N251SC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Waterloo, Alabama. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot’s spouse, he departed earlier on the morning of the accident to return home from a cross-country trip. The pilot departed McKinney National Airport (TKI), Dallas, Texas, enroute to Ripley Airport (25M), Ripley, Mississippi. After arriving at 25M, the pilot refueled the airplane before departing on the remainder of his trip home. The pilot’s spouse contacted local authorities when the pilot did not arrive as expected, and the airplane was found about 45 nautical miles from the departure airport in a heavily wooded area. According to the autopsy performed by the University of Alabama’s Department of Pathology, the cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma and the manner of death was accident. No significant natural disease was identified. Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide and drugs. The airplane came to rest inverted and crumpled. Flight control surface continuity was established throughout the airframe. The engine was still attached to the airplane and the engine controls were crushed. Engine control positions were unreliable due to impact damage. The propeller blades were separated from the propeller hub and located within the debris field. The propeller hub was separated from the engine and was also located within the debris field. Examination of the engine revealed that the electric fuel pump was not the original type or style supplied with the aircraft from the manufacturer. The fuel pump was an aftermarket TI Automotive electric type pump, and a review of maintenance records revealed that it was installed on May 28, 2020. There was a note entered next to the installation entry that stated, “fuel pressure dropping @ nose high full power.” On the following day, the pilot made another entry stating, “fuel pump checks out ok.” During postaccident examination, the fuel pump was removed and connected directly to a 12-volt power source; and it did not operate or make any noise. Although the fuel pump showed signs of some impact damage, the pump was intact. Air was forced into the outlet of the fuel pump, and the air could not be drawn through, indicating it was not a free-flowing fuel pump. The pump manufacturer did not participate in the examination and stated that their aftermarket fuel pumps were for automotive usageonly. Post impact damage to the mechanical fuel pump prevented operational testing. The fuel pump was disassembled and inspected. No fuel was found inside the pump assembly and no anomalies were found. Examination of the fuel lines to the TI Automotive electric pump revealed that they were not routed as per the Czech Sport Aircraft fuel system diagram, Rotax fuel system installation instructions, or in accordance with the Czech Sport Aircraft Safety Alert/Safety Directive SA-SC-012, which was released on November 14, 2019. SA-SC-012 states: “Serial arrangement of electrical and mechanical fuel pumps when an alternative fuel line around the electrical pump is missing, is not correct. An alternative fuel line must be always present in the fuel system.” The SD also states: “Be careful with installation of electrical pump. An alternative fuel line must be always installed to ensure that the engine will be supplied with fuel when the electrical pump gets stuck.” ## Aircraft - Registration: [N251SC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N251SC-2021-11-04), registration cancelled 2021-11-04, S/N 08SC088, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CZECH SPORT CRUISER (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER](https://openairdocs.org/model/czech-aircraft-works-spol-sro-sportcruiser) (registry code 060002O) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 08SC088 - Year built: 2008 - Engines: Rotax 912 ULS reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Departed: TKI, McKinney, TX - Destination: TN08, Oak Ridge, TN - Equipment: Video recording device, ADS-B, Airframe parachute ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: basicmed, with waivers/limitations; restraint: 3-point; toxicology performed; flight hours: 400 total, 400 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 30.11 inHg - Observed at: CRX, 22 nm away - METAR: KCRX 071735Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM CLR 25/10 A3011 RMK AO2 ## 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 20201007015019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20201007015019A), Oct 7, 2020: Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER, Waterloo, AL, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Arrived on scene, finding aircraft destroyed. Aircraft appeared to have not been producing power at time of impact, hitting tree line nose down and cart… ## Docket (10 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 25, 2023, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102113. 131 MB in all. - Mfr pilot's spouse's statement (item 1, PDF, 1 page, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14789250&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MFR%20Pilot%27s%20spouse%20flight%20notes-Rel.pdf - Witness flight track statements (item 2, PDF, 1 page, 142 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14789449&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20flight%20track%20statements-Rel.pdf - Fueling records (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 656 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14789324&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fueling%20records%20FA010_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Wreckage examination summary (item 4, PDF, 4 pages, 258 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14789716&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Examination%20Summary%20ERA21FA010-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 5, PDF, 12 pages, 126 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14859144&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MX_flight%20records%20excerpts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Sport cruiser fuel system diagram (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 289 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14789334&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=PS-28%20Sport%20Cruiser%20Fuel%20System%20diagram-Rel.pdf - Operators' manual excerpts fuel burn (item 7, PDF, 2 pages, 168 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14790033&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=OPERATORS%20MANUAL%20FUEL%20BURN-Rel.pdf - Safety directive SA-SC-012 (item 8, PDF, 3 pages, 155 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14789344&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=SA-SC-012_R0_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigative photos (item 9, PDF, 9 pages, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14790043&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigative%20Photos%20FA010-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 714 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14859350&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20release;%20N251SC_Redacted-Rel.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.