Jmmt VANS RV9A N387E

Summary

On 29 March 2024 at about 15:41 local time, a Jmmt VANS RV9A registered N387E was involved in an accident near Jasper, Georgia, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 March 2024 at 15:41

Classification

Accident

Location

Jasper, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Pickens County Airport (JZP)

Coordinates

34.4686, -84.4955

Aircraft

Jmmt VANS RV9A

Registration

N387E

Category

Airplane

Year built

2024

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Flight Test

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA24LA158

1 person was seriously injured.

The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined due to impact-related damage.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the private pilot/builder of the experimental amateur-built airplane to complete the second flight of the phase one flight testing. The pilot planned to remain near the airport and obtain engine performance data. The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff, he maneuvered in the area and observed normal engine performance, and he then descended to return to the airport traffic pattern. The pilot reported that while approaching a left downwind for landing, he observed the engine rpm decline and the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) timer announced, “change fuel tank.” The pilot engaged the fuel boost pump and switched from the left to right fuel tank, which was followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot elected to land in a field, and during the landing roll, the left wing struck a utility pole. The fuselage and left wing sustained substantial damage. Examination of the engine found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation and fuel was found in the right tank after the accident. During examination of the fuel system and selector, the right tank fuel line b-nut exhibited low torque, which could have resulted in a total loss of power due to fuel starvation. Although it is possible that the loose B-nut at the fuel selector allowed air into the fuel line when the pilot switched to the right fuel tank, due to the impact damage sustained to other areas of the fuel lines, and lack of recorded data from the multifunction display, the reason for the fuel starvation could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.