Worn Fuel Primer Pumps Lead to Loss of Engine Events on General Aviation Aircraft

The FAA is investigating a report of a worn fuel primer pump that may be installed in general aviation aircraft following a non-fatal accident on a Champion 7EC Traveler. During the initial takeoff climb, the pilot noticed a significant decrease in the engine rpm and lost full engine power shortly after. It was determined that the fuel primer pump in the accident was worn and unable to lock properly causing an overly rich fuel mixture. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the fuselage.

FAA’s Operational Safety Branch recently issued an Airworthiness Concern Sheet to highlight this concern and included photographs of the wear on the fuel primer pump. The FAA is recommending operators inspect all manual fuel primer pumps found on general aviation aircraft with carburetor engines and provide information including description of damage, available photos, airplane serial number, time in service, and any prior replacement of the manual fuel primer pump.

To view the Airworthiness Concern Sheet select this link: 
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2025/Mar/FAA_ACS_-_7EC_Fuel_Primer_Pump.pdf

To provide feedback please contact: 
Aryanna Sanchez
Aviation Safety Engineer, AIR-720
(817) 222-4058
aryanna.t.sanchez@faa.gov