Rumble/Williams/Boomhower STARDUSTER II N7JC

Summary

On 14 April 2006 at about 00:45 local time, a Rumble/Williams/Boomhower STARDUSTER II registered N7JC was involved in an accident near Junction City, Kansas, 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

14 April 2006 at 00:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Junction City, Kansas, United States

Nearest airport

Junction City Airport (3JC)

Coordinates

39.0433, -96.8433

Aircraft

Rumble/Williams/Boomhower STARDUSTER II

Registration

N7JC

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Junction City → Chapman

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

DEN06LA063

Nobody was injured.

Vapor lock which resulted in total engine failure and the pilot's abrupt brake application on touchdown. Factors contributing to the accident were the improper design of the fuel system resulting in the misrouting of the fuel lines close to the exhaust pipes, and the short landing area.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported making a normal takeoff and climb out. At about 200 feet above the ground, the pilot said the engine lost power without any prior warning. The pilot immediately executed a forced landing. On touchdown, the pilot applied "hard brakes" to avoid a ravine at the end of the grass strip. The airplane subsequently nosed over on its back causing substantial damage to the top wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. An examination of the engine showed that the fuel lines had been routed within 1-1/4 inches of the dual exhaust pipes. FAA requirements for certified airplanes requires a minimum of 6 inches separation due to the potential for fuel in the lines to boil and subsequently cause a vapor lock in the lines. No other anomalies were found.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.