Fuel Exhaustion & Starvation · NTSB CEN14FA377
ODEN WELDON PAT KITFOX IV SPEEDSTER — Blackwell, TX
| Date | July 20, 2014 |
| Location | Blackwell, TX |
| Aircraft | ODEN WELDON PAT KITFOX IV SPEEDSTER (amateur-built) |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Emergency descent Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 71 |
| Pilot total time | 800 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | 549 hrs |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-(general)-Failure - C
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Owner/builder
- Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel control/carburetor-Design
What happened
The commercial pilot was conducting a local flight. According to the pilot's wife, the pilot left for the airstrip that morning, and he indicated that he was going to adjust the carburetor on the airplane's engine. Local law enforcement located the accident site later that night. Wreckage documentation was indicative of the airplane being in a left downward spiral at the time of impact.
Examination of the composite propeller revealed no signs indicating that it was turning at impact, which is consistent with the engine not producing power. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine showed it had an aftermarket throttle body system in lieu of the carburetors and an intake manifold. The engine manufacturer had previously released a service bulletin indicating that the use of any third party after-market replacement kits, modifications, and nongenuine manufacturer components or accessories was not approved and may result in engine damage and/or failure and personal injury and/or death. However, the examination showed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded the engine from producing normal power. Drugs identified in the pilot's toxicology were determined to not be impairing.