On 21 Mar 2008, a Rans, Inc. S12XL operated by Jay B. Kurtz was involved in an aviation accident near Wauchula, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel supply line to the fuel pump was cracked, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an overhead approach, the engine lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing in grass; the left main gear collapsed into a hole, damaging fuselage tubing. A cracked fuel supply line caused fuel starvation.
Incident Overview
An amateur-built Rans S12XL airplane experienced a loss of engine power while making an overhead approach to the destination airport. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing in the grass to the west of the single runway. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear "went into a hole and collapsed." The collapse resulted in damage to the structural tubing of the fuselage.
Fuel System Examination
A post-incident examination of the fuel system conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuel supply line to the fuel pump was cracked. This crack led to fuel starvation, which caused the engine power loss.
Probable cause
The fuel supply line to the fuel pump was cracked, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine.