alt Hacker NewsI wonder who installed it. Was the pilot home 3D printing mods for their plane? And is that even allowed? Super concerning if there was a company behind the installation.
I'd think any semi competent engineer would know better.
Edit: from the report - "A modification application was made to the LAA in 2019, by the aircraft owner2 , to replace the engine’s throttle body fuel injector with a mechanical fuel injection system. This system consisted of a fuel controller, high-pressure engine-driven fuel pump, electric auxiliary fuel pump, fuel flow transducer and associated fuel hoses, filters and fittings. Following flight testing, the modified fuel system was approved by the LAA in 2022. The modified fuel injection system had accumulated 37 hours in service when the accident occurred."
So the pilot himself and the LAA were incompetent. LAA is an association for amateur pilots though so I'm not sure what level of rigour they "approve" things with.
Replies
The LAA classified the proposed modification pf the overall fuel system as minor based on the owner’s description of it, and approved it on that basis. But the owner lied and did not disclose the fact that the induction elbow was modified at all or that it was 3D printed. The report does not discuss any required inspection by a person authorized by the LAA prior to returning the aircraft to service. So it seems like the LAA modification process is a trust-don’t-verify policy.
Nearly anything is allowed for experimental amateur-built aircraft like the one in this incident. Unapproved modifications to certified aircraft are forbidden in most parts of the world.
The plane is an experimental class, so I doubt they have to follow a lot of regulations.
In addition to what other users have mentioned, the airplane changed hands in August 2024, after the modifications were made.