Siai-Marchetti SF260TP N43GP

Summary

On 9 June 2000 at about 22:51 local time, a Siai-Marchetti SF260TP registered N43GP, operated by George Parker, was involved in an accident near Norfolk, Virginia, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 June 2000 at 22:51

Classification

Accident

Location

Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Nearest airport

Norfolk Intl Airport (ORF)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Siai-Marchetti SF260TP

Registration

N43GP

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

George Parker

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC00LA157

1 person had minor injuries.

Fuel starvation of the engine, caused by the failure of the fuel transfer pump.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane departed with 40 gallons of fuel on board, flew locally for about 30 minutes, then returned to the airport to land. While in the traffic pattern, the low fuel pressure warning light illuminated several times. During final approach, the light remained illuminated, and the pilot switched the fuel selector from the "NORMAL" position to the "EMERGENCY" position. The engine experienced several compressor surges and then lost power. The pilot flared high to get over a seawall, and impacted the ground about 900 feet short of the runway. Visual examination of the fuel tanks revealed 10 gallons in the right fuel tank, 5 gallons in the left (main) fuel tank, and about 3 gallons in each tip tank. A review of the airplane's fuel distribution system revealed that fuel was delivered to the engine from the left fuel tank, which was fed by the tip tanks and right tank through the transfer pump. An operational check of the airplane's fuel system revealed little to no fuel flow when the fuel selector was placed in the "NORMAL" position. No fuel flow was observed when the fuel selector was selected to the "EMERGENCY" position. During the check, the transfer pump was manually tapped, and then a steady fuel flow stream was observed. The fuel transfer pump motor cover was removed and carbon deposits, dirty internal windings, and evidence of corrosion was observed. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no pre-impact malfunctions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.