Navion NAVION G N249KC

Summary

On 11 August 2017 at about 16:00 local time, a Navion NAVION G registered N249KC, operated by Skywalker Flight School, LLC., was involved in an accident near Adrian, Michigan, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 August 2017 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Adrian, Michigan, United States

Nearest airport

Lenawee County (ADG)

Coordinates

41.8292, -84.0744

Aircraft

Navion NAVION G

Registration

N249KC

Category

Airplane

Year built

1964

Engines

1

Operator

Skywalker Flight School, LLC.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Adrian → Adrian

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN17LA316

2 people were seriously injured.

A leak in the gascolator, which allowed air to enter the fuel system and resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and private pilot had completed training maneuvers and were returning to the airport when the engine experienced a partial loss of power about 1,000 to 1,500 ft above ground level. They were unable to glide the airplane to an open field and descended into a wooded area. The airplane impacted trees and became wedged between trees, suspended above the ground. The engine and empennage separated from the rest of the airplane and came to rest on the ground nearby. The fuel tanks were damaged and most of the remaining fuel spilled onto the ground. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation or production of rated horsepower; however, an examination of the gascolator showed that it had been leaking fuel from three locations and contained a significant amount of debris. In a postaccident examination, the gascolator was subjected to the relevant service bulletin testing and did not pass the test due to the leaking seals and drain valve. Since the gascolator was unable to seal properly, it would have allowed air into the fuel system, which would have resulted in a loss of engine power. A review of the airplane maintenance records revealed no record of compliance with the service bulletin, nor was compliance mandatory.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.