Accident Details
On March 11, 2023, at about 1331 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Velocity SE RG, registration N343BD, was substantially damaged when the pilot ditched the airplane in Florida Bay near Bahia Key, Florida. The pilot, who owned the airplane, was seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he was en route from Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (MTH), Marathon, Florida, to his home airport, Summerland Key Cover Airport (FD51), Summerland Key, Florida, a flight of about 15 minutes. Having not flown in several months, he veered north of course to practice the slow-speed descent and power settings required for approach to FD51. While slowing the airplane and reducing power, the engine suddenly quit without warning. The pilot immediately turned on the electric fuel pump, which produced a momentary "burp" of power lasting less than one second, and he observed a low fuel pressure warning (0 to -1). He then turned north and ditched the airplane in Florida Bay near the shore of an island.
The pilot stated he had not flown the airplane in 2 to 3 months due to performing the annual condition inspection, which was prolonged because he and his wife took an RV trip during the inspection. He performed the inspection himself and did not work on the fuel system other than moving the fuel shutoff valve to off to clean the filters; however, he stated he moved the valve back to on, as he had flown uneventfully from FD51 to MTH about 3 hours before the accident. The pilot noted that the sump tank center fuel tank held 2 gallons of fuel, and a red low-fuel light would illuminate in the cockpit if the fuel level was low. He departed on the accident flight with 19 gallons of fuel (having had 22 gallons from FD51 on the prior flight), and the red light never illuminated.
Post-Accident Examination
Two Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage during recovery and after it was transported back to FD51. They observed fuel mixed with seawater in both wing tanks and the center tank, but the fuel injector lines and fuel manifold were absent of fuel. The mechanical fuel pump contained slightly more than 1 ounce of fuel, and residual fuel was found in the electric boost pump. The mechanical fuel pump operated normally when actuated by hand. The electric boost pump switch was in the on position, and when tested with a 12-volt battery, it operated normally. The top spark plugs were removed and no anomalies were noted with their electrodes. Rotating the propeller by hand confirmed crankshaft, camshaft, and valvetrain continuity to the rear accessory section of the engine, and thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. The engine was equipped with an electronic ignition system that could not be tested.
A Grand Rapids Technology 6000 Engine Information System (EIS) was retained and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Vehicle Recorders Laboratory. Data were extracted, but the EIS did not record any parameters relevant to engine performance.