Accident Overview
On June 15, 2016, at approximately 1430 central daylight time, a Flight Design GMBH CTSW HXB (registration N302CT) collided with trees during a forced landing at Gloster Aerodrome (1XA7) in Houston, Texas. The student pilot and flight instructor both sustained minor injuries. The airplane was destroyed.
The airplane was registered to and operated by the student pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight had just originated.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight instructor, the student pilot made the takeoff on runway 25. During the initial climb, at about 500 feet above ground level, the engine started running rough and lost all power. The instructor took control of the airplane and made a 180-degree turn back toward the airport. A forced landing to runway 07 was attempted, but due to a strong tailwind, the airplane collided with trees to the right of the runway.
Engine Examination
On October 20, under the auspices of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the engine was examined at the facilities of South Mississippi Light Aircraft in Lucedale, Mississippi. A Rotax engine representative was also in attendance. Reportedly, the engine would not start on the first attempt. It was determined that the engine was not receiving fuel due to a leak in the fuel pump diaphragm. When an electric fuel pump on the engine test stand was turned on, fuel poured out of the fuel pump drain hole. Disassembly of the fuel pump confirmed that the rubber diaphragm had deteriorated and was leaking. When a serviceable fuel pump was installed, the engine operated normally and produced full power. No further anomalies were noted.
Maintenance Records
According to the engine logbook, Rotax Service Bulletin SB-912-053-UL (Replacement of fuel pump for Rotax Engine Type 912), dated April 13, 2007, had been complied with on May 24, 2006. However, Rotax Service Bulletin SB-912-063-UL (Replacement for fuel pumps for Rotax Engine Type 912), dated August 21, 2013, had not been performed. The fuel pump that was installed on the engine (part number 892 542, serial number 07.002314) was manufactured in 2009 and was affected by this service bulletin but was not listed in the log book. The fuel pump was also affected by Bombardier's Recreational Products Maintenance Manual, requiring a mandatory replacement time of 5 years. Following the recommended replacement date of May 24, 2012, annual inspections of the engine were conducted on November 12, 2012, May 2, 2014, and June 6, 2016. A conditional engine examination was performed on June 13, 2015.