Background
A pilot flew the accident airplane on an earlier flight without any reported issues. During the second takeoff, the engine lost power, necessitating an examination of the aircraft.
Post-Accident Examination
Inspection of the airplane revealed two discrepancies: the right magneto was malfunctioning, and the electric fuel boost pump was inoperative. Both components had been maintained the day before the accident as part of a 50-hour inspection conducted by company maintenance personnel. The airplane had accumulated approximately 4 flight hours since that inspection.
Maintenance History
According to maintenance records, a major overhaul had been performed about 1,692 flight hours before the accident. The airplane's total time in service was 3,338 hours. The manufacturer's pilot operating handbook specifies that the fuel boost pump should be replaced at engine overhaul and that the engine should be overhauled every 2,000 hours. There was no evidence in the maintenance records that the fuel boost pump had ever been replaced.
Emergency Procedures
The use of the electric fuel boost pump is specified in the airplane's emergency procedures for engine failure. The pump's inoperative status would affect the execution of those procedures.
Components
- Right magneto: Malfunctioning
- Electric fuel boost pump: Inoperative
- Both components were subject to maintenance the day before the accident during a 50-hour inspection.