2 Apr 2016: BUTTERHOF ANTHONY J GINNY B NO SERIES

2 Apr 2016: BUTTERHOF ANTHONY J GINNY B NO SERIES (N349E) — Unknown operator

No fatalities • South Harrison Township, NJ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot/mechanic's failure to safety-wire the gascolator bale clamp, which resulted in a fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On April 2, 2016, about 1530 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Ginny B, N349E, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in South Harrison Township, New Jersey. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight from Alloway Airfield (NJ02), Alloway, New Jersey. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.According to the pilot, who also held an airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate, the flight was the first since he overhauled and installed a Continental O-200 engine. The pilot took off about 1500, and headed north from the airport. About 30 minutes later, the engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of power, and the pilot could not get it restarted. The pilot then completed a forced landing to a grassy field, where the airplane nosed over. The airplane's wing spar, vertical stabilizer, and right wing struts were substantially damaged.

The pilot and another A&P rated mechanic subsequently performed a conditional inspection on the airplane, where they found that fuel had leaked from the gascolater between the glass cup and the metal frame. They also noted that the bale clamp was not safety-wired, which allowed it to loosen and relax the seal between the gascolator glass cup and its metal frame.

Contributing factors

  • cause Fluid level
  • cause Owner/builder
  • cause Owner/builder
  • Related maintenance info

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 260/09kt, vis 10sm

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