John D Williams XT-912 N133W

Summary

On 12 July 2007 at about 23:36 local time, a John D Williams XT-912 registered N133W was involved in an accident near Newport News, Virginia, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

12 July 2007 at 23:36

Classification

Accident

Location

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Coordinates

37.2369, -76.4061

Aircraft

John D Williams XT-912

Registration

N133W

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Williamsburg → Williamsburg

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA07LA120

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to comply with FAA and engine manufacturer directives resulting in deterioration of fuel system components by fuel containing ethanol and blockage of the fuel filter by contaminants.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot performed a preflight inspection of the airplane which included checking the fuel tank for contaminants; none were found. He was operating the airplane using unleaded automotive fuel containing up to 10 percent ethanol. He then departed on a local pleasure flight and approximately 30 minutes later, the engine began to cough. He looked for a landing area and while doing so, the engine began sputtering and losing power. He maneuvered for a forced landing to a field but the flight was too high and fast. He then performed S type turns in an effort to land in another field but the right main landing gear contacted the ground causing the gear to collapse. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the element of the in-line fuel filter was blocked by contaminant which restricted flow from the filter. Additionally, the in-line fuel filter was 3/4 full of water; however, the carburetor bowl was full of clean fuel. No evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was noted with the engine. An FAA issued SAIB indicates that fuel containing alcohol can have an affect on fuel system components and should not be used. A Rotax Service Instruction indicates that fuel containing more than 5 percent alcohol is not to be used.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.