# NTSB WPR22LA259: Socata TB21, N718TB, San Marcos, CA, July 17, 2022 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: July 16, 2022, 18:17 local (Jul 17, 2022, 01:17 UTC) - Place: San Marcos, CA · Intersection of S Rancho Santa Fe Road and Meadowlark Ranch Road - Coordinates: 33.109852, -117.22536 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1099&lon=-117.2254&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured; on the ground: 2 minor - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Hartzell Propellers, FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 105509 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR22LA259 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/105509/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105509 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA259 ## Probable cause The failure of the mechanical fuel pump due to internal friction for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fuel system: fuel pumps](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822/cases.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 71 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022822/cases.md) - [Maintenance: repair](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Other; cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062015/cases.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 99 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062015/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible; cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Ability to respond/compensate; cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000/cases.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 253 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: ground vehicle](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022025): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Ability to respond/compensate; cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022025/cases.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 132 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) (defining event); cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Enroute-cruise: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191); cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Socata TB21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=8680697), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot, he had just picked up the airplane after an annual inspection. He conducted a pattern-only flight before departing for a cross-country flight to reposition the airplane. About 30 minutes after takeoff, there was a total loss of engine power and the pilot performed a forced landing on a road. The airplane struck a vehicle during landing, which separated the left wing from the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the mechanical fuel pump shaft had sheared. Further disassembly revealed rotational scoring, heat discoloration, and foreign (aluminum) debris on the pump’s rotor shaft and bearing bore. The scoring and heat discoloration were determined to have occurred due to friction occurring between the rotor shaft and bearing bore. Mechanical damage to the affected components did not allow for the determination of pre-event component measurements, including the rotor shaft or the bearing dimensions. The mechanical fuel pump was a recently rebuilt unit and was installed on the engine during the annual inspection that was completed five days before the accident. The overhaul procedures for the fuel pump specify the bearing to be honed and the rotor to be lubricated during reassembly. Honing to incorrect dimensions or improper lubrication would likely result in increased friction between the two components. Debris between the rotor and bearing could also increase friction. The rubber seal installed at the driven end of the rotor exhibited softening and deformation consistent with thermal distress, which could have allowed debris to enter the fuel pump after the pump began to overheat. Additionally, debris could have been introduced during the rebuild process or during the installation process through the fuel line ports and fittings, but due to the friction damage the source of the debris could not be identified. The fuel pump shaft sheared due to the friction between the rotor shaft and bearing bore; however, damage prevented determination of the source of the friction. ## Factual narrative On July 16, 2022, at 1817 Pacific daylight time, a Socata TB-21, N718TB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near San Marcos, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Two people on the ground received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he had picked up the airplane following an annual inspection and refueled the airplane to about 56 gallons of fuel onboard. He then conducted a pattern-only flight limited to one approach and landing due to operational constraints imposed by the local tower. The pilot landed, shutdown, and picked up a passenger for a cross-country flight to Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL), Fullerton, California, to reposition the airplane. The flight departed and about 30 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 6,500 ft mean sea level (msl) above a heavy marine layer, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to navigate towards the edge of the marine layer and divert to a nearby airport but could not reach the runway and was forced to land on a road. The airplane struck a vehicle on the road, which separated the left wing from the fuselage. Two occupants of the vehicle received minor injuries. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location and an engine run was attempted. The engine would not start and run unless the electric fuel pump was turned on. The mechanical fuel pump was removed from the engine. During removal, it was noted that the pump’s drive shaft had sheared. The fuel pump was disassembled; rotational scoring, heat discoloration, and debris were noted on the rotor shaft and bearing bore. The fuel pump components and debris were sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Materials Laboratory for further examination. The scoring and heat discoloration were determined to have occurred due to friction occurring between the rotor shaft and bearing bore, which resulted in the fuel pump drive coupling driveshaft shearing by torsional overstress. Mechanical damage to the affected components did not allow for the determination of pre-event component dimensions. The pump components and debris were examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). EDS scans of rotor material determined the primary element was iron with small alloy additions of chromium, aluminum, and silicon. An EDS spectrum taken from the remaining journal surface showed similar composition. By contrast, the spectrum from the scored (spalled) region exhibited primarily aluminum and silicon elements with some sulfur and iron. The foreign debris on the carbon bearing examined by EDS exhibited primarily iron peaks (as well as carbon and sulfur). The middle contrast region was similar but with an increase in the relative peak heights of aluminum and silicon. Several of the ports on the pump exhibited metal shavings or burrs. Two of the three pluggedports on the mounting flange contained one or more metal shavings. A shaving/burr was observed on one of the fuel flow ports, and shavings were observed at the threaded port on the relief valve housing cover plate. A thread was removed from one of the plugged mounting flange ports and an EDS spectrum of the shaving indicated it consisted primarily of aluminum and silicon, with a trace of zinc from the zinc-plated port plug. A reference EDS spectrum of the pump housing consisted primarily of aluminum and silicon. The surfaces of the pump housing were examined for any signs of notable mechanical damage, but none were found. The rubber seal installed at the driven end of the rotor exhibited softening and deformation, consistent with thermal distress. The mechanical fuel pump had been overhauled May 19, 2022, and was installed on the engine during the annual inspection dated July 11, 2022. The overhaul procedures provide instructions for the removal and replacement of the liner and bearings in the fuel pump housing. After the old liner and bearing are removed, the pump housing is cleaned and prepared for installation of the new liner and bearing. The pump housing is then heated to a prescribed temperature and the bearing and liner are pressed into the pump housing. A powered flexible hone is then used to machine the inside diameter of the bearing to final size. A seal is then installed into the pump housing before the rotor is installed. The rotor installation instructions call for a light coat of petroleum jelly to be applied to the bearing journal of the rotor before installing the rotor, sealing it, and retaining it in the pump housing. The tongue on the drive coupling and groove/slot on the rotor are coated with grease before installing the drive coupling retaining ring. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N718TB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N718TB-2023-08-23), registration cancelled 2023-08-23, S/N 2128, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SOCATA TB21 - Registry model: [Socata TB21](https://openairdocs.org/model/socata-tb21) (registry code 8680697) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2128 - Year built: 2002 - Airframe hours: 634.87 - Engines: LYCOMING TI0-540 SER 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 11, 2022 - Departed: MYF, San Diego, CA - Destination: FUL, Fullerton, CA - Airport: CRQ ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 28; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 158 total, 16 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command, 1.2 in the last 90 days, 1.2 in the last 30 days, 1.2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 800 ft broken - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.88 inHg - Observed at: 5:53 - METAR: 5:53 PM 68 °F 63 °F 84 % SW 7 mph 0 mph 29.52 in 0.0 in Cloudy ## 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 20220716012589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220716012589A), Jul 16, 2022: Socata TB21, San Marcos, CA, Destroyed. [privacy data omitted]Pilot picked up aircraft at a repair facility at montgomery airport (myf) after the completion of of an annual inspection. Pilot wanted… ## Docket (10 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 25, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105509. 21.9 MB in all. - Materials laboratory factual report 23-032 (item 1, PDF, 25 pages, 31 photos, 4.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16004581&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Materials%20Laboratory%20Factual%20Report%2023-032-Rel.pdf - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 2, PDF, 11 pages, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15173527&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=N718TB%206120.1_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot statement (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 40 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15175347&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Zach%20Woznicki%20Statement-Rel.pdf - Engine run report (item 4, PDF, 1 page, 118 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16733371&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20Engine%20Run%20and%20Examination-Rel.pdf - Quality aircraft accessories (qaa) fuel pump exam notes (item 5, PDF, 14 pages, 10 photos, 4.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16665840&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR22LA259%20Fuel%20Pump%20Exam%20Notes%201_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Mor - fuel pump rebuild procedures (item 6, PDF, 2 pages, 86 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16665748&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MOR%20Fuel%20Pump%20Rebuild%20Procedures-Rel.pdf - Fuel pump overhaul documentation (item 7, PDF, 2 pages, 7.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15174669&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fuel%20Pump%20Records_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 8, PDF, 3 pages, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15176059&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=July%202022%20Annual%20Logs_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 9, PDF, 2 pages, 450 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15174699&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Certification%20Binder%202_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 10, PDF, 2 pages, 108 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16854174&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Release-%20WPR22LA259%20Signed_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.