On March 29, 1982, a Piper PA-32R (registration N1104Q) operated by Gen. Enterprises, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Rochester, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the fuel pump rocker arm. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported an engine power loss en route and was unable to restart, leading to a forced landing in trees and brush. Investigation revealed a fatigue failure in the fuel pump rocker arm.
Incident
During an en route flight, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot selected a clearing for a forced landing but was unable to reach it. The aircraft subsequently made a crash landing in an area of trees and brush.
Investigation
An investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. Examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed that the fuel pump rocker arm had failed due to fatigue. The pilot reported that he had turned on the fuel boost pump when trying to restart the engine. Subsequent testing showed that the electric fuel pump operated normally.
Findings
The failure of the fuel pump rocker arm from fatigue prevented the engine from being restarted after the initial power loss. The forced landing was executed in terrain that did not allow a safe landing, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest among trees and brush.
Probable cause
Fatigue failure of the fuel pump rocker arm.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Mar 1982 Piper PA-32R accident near Rochester, MA?
A pilot reported an engine power loss en route and was unable to restart, leading to a forced landing in trees and brush. Investigation revealed a fatigue failure in the fuel pump rocker arm.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Mar 1982 involved a Piper PA-32R, registration N1104Q, operated by Gen. Enterprises, Inc., at Rochester, MA.
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