NTSB Factual Report

On April 22, 2012, at 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Mays Kitfox Lite 2, nosed over following a forced landing near Cedarville, California. The airline transport pilot, who was operating the airplane as a sport pilot and the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot, who did not hold a repairman certificate for the airplane or a mechanic certificate, reported that he had performed maintenance on the fuel system of the airplane, including the replacement of fuel lines. Approximately one hour into the flight, the engine lost power. The pilot force landed the airplane in a field and it nosed over. Approximately 14 gallons of fuel was onboard at the time of the accident. The last conditional inspection on the airplane was completed October 30, 2010.

Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representative revealed that the fuel lines were secured with tie wraps. According to a Rotax representative, the tie wraps secured the lines in an oval shape and air can be introduced into the system. No additional mechanical anomalies were identified.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to air in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s incorrect maintenance that did not properly secure the fuel lines.