There was a small plane crash in Arvada, Colorado on June 7, 2024. According to reports, a Beechcraft 35 crashed about fifteen minutes after taking off from Centennial Airport near Denver. The plane had four people on board. After impact, a fire broke out on board resulting in burn injuries to the occupants. At least two people were taken to a local hospital. Prior to the crash, the pilot radioed air traffic control to report a low oil pressure light had come on. A second call indicated a total power loss had occurred. The crash remains under investigation.
Engine failure on a small plane can be caused by a variety of factors, with fuel system issues being one of the most common. In the case where the plane’s low fuel pressure light had come on before the crash, it indicates a potential problem with fuel delivery to the engine. Low fuel pressure can result from a clogged fuel filter, which restricts the flow of fuel, or a malfunctioning fuel pump that fails to maintain the necessary pressure. Without adequate fuel pressure, the engine cannot receive the proper amount of fuel, leading to performance issues and, ultimately, engine failure. Regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system components are critical to prevent such occurrences.
Another potential cause of engine failure related to low fuel pressure is fuel contamination. Water, debris, or other contaminants in the fuel can obstruct the fuel lines and filters, disrupting the fuel flow to the engine. This contamination can cause erratic engine behavior, including sputtering, power loss, and complete shutdown. Pilots must ensure that the fuel they use is clean and free from contaminants by conducting thorough pre-flight inspections and proper fuel management practices. Fuel sampling and testing before each flight can help detect and eliminate any contamination issues that might lead to engine failure.
Mechanical failures within the engine itself can also lead to a loss of power and subsequent engine failure. Issues such as a worn-out or failing fuel injector, which is responsible for delivering fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber, can result in inadequate fuel supply. Additionally, problems with the carburetor or fuel injection system, which mix fuel with air in the correct ratio, can cause the engine to run lean (too much air) or rich (too much fuel), both of which can lead to engine failure. Regular maintenance, including checking and servicing these components, is essential to ensure they function correctly and prevent engine failure. Ensuring that all aspects of the fuel system and engine are in optimal condition is crucial for the safe operation of small planes.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2024. A Piper PA-28 plane crashed shortly after taking-off from Gray’s Creek Airport in Cumberland County, North Carolina on May 26, 2024. A Cessna 172S plane crashed in Volusia County, Florida on May 26, 2024. A F-35 Fighter Jet crashed near the Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 28, 2024. There was a hot air balloon crash in Lowell, Indiana on June 2, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.