Diamond DA20-A1 N196DA

Summary

On 4 September 1999 at about 22:45 local time, a Diamond DA20-A1 registered N196DA was involved in an accident near Cedar Key, Florida, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 September 1999 at 22:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Cedar Key, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

George T. Lewis Airport (CDK)

Coordinates

29.1409, -83.0292

Aircraft

Diamond DA20-A1

Registration

N196DA

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Statesboro

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA99FA246

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to follow the checklist (turn Fuel Valve-On, and activate electric fuel boost pump) and the pilot's decision to continue flight with a known unairworthy condition (illumination of low fuel pressure warning light on takeoff roll) with sufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff. This resulted in a subsequent loss of engine power on initial takeoff climb, forced landing, and in-flight collision with trees and terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot did not ensure that the fuel valve was on nor did he activate the electric fuel boost pump before takeoff. The low fuel warning light illuminated on takeoff roll with sufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff. The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and a forced landing was initiated. The airplane collided with trees, and crashed while maneuvering to a forced landing area. The engine was removed and mounted in a test stand. The engine started immediately and sustained normal operations. The mechanical fuel pump functioned normally in all operating conditions. The low fuel warning light did not flicker or illuminate when using any combination of the mechanical or electric fuel pump. With the fuel valve turned to the off position the engine would run for about 2.4 minutes at full power before losing power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.