On August 13, 2005, a North American NAVION A (L-17B) (registration N8828H) was involved in an aviation accident near Zeeland, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power after takeoff due to a fuel selector valve leak and low altitude and low airspeed at the time of power loss. A factor was the recommended maintenance service for the fuel selector not performed by the airplane owner/pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a total loss of engine power after takeoff and impacted terrain. Investigation revealed internal and external leakage of the fuel selector, and a related manufacturer service bulletin had not been complied with by the owner-pilot.
Accident Overview
The airplane impacted terrain after suffering a total loss of engine power shortly following takeoff. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries in the accident.
Examination and Maintenance
Post-accident examination of the airplane disclosed internal and external leakage from the fuel selector. Approximately 13 months before the accident, the airplane manufacturer had issued a service bulletin requiring the removal and replacement of fuel selectors, which included the accident airplane. This service bulletin was not complied with by the airplane's owner, who was also the pilot-in-command.
An engine test run conducted after the accident revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. However, the engine had exceeded the manufacturer's recommended time between overhaul of twelve years.
Equipment and Injuries
The airplane was not certified and was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries in the occurrence.