Accident Overview
On March 21, 2015, at approximately 0920 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-6A, registration N811KM, experienced a loss of engine power during takeoff from Ruby Star Airpark (14AZ) in Green Valley, Arizona. The aircraft sustained substantial damage in the subsequent forced landing and nose-over. The private pilot and his pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
The airplane, registered to Sunset Enterprises LLC and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91, was initiating a cross-country flight to Tucson, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. According to the pilot's written statement, after takeoff from runway 6, at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a right turn toward the airport, but the airplane impacted terrain and trees approximately 100 feet from the runway and nosed over.
Examination Findings
Local law enforcement examined the wreckage and noted structural damage to both wings and the fuselage. The wreckage was recovered for further examination. Examination of the recovered airframe and engine revealed that the engine remained attached to the firewall via all mounts. The carburetor was intact, and its internal components were undamaged. All six spark plugs were removed, and hand rotation of the propeller produced thumb compression on all cylinders. Throttle, mixture, and carburetor heat control continuity from the cockpit to the engine was confirmed. All engine belts were intact and undamaged. The engine was not equipped with an engine-driven fuel pump.
When battery power was applied, the left and right fuel pumps did not function. The positive power wire for the right fuel pump was found disconnected from a quick-disconnect terminal connector, which was enclosed within a plastic tube with electrical tape on one end. The positive power wire for the left fuel pump was connected to an insulated quick-disconnect terminal, but the terminal halves were partially disconnected, with the inner metal terminals separated. No other anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were found during the examination. The airframe and engine logbook records were not located.