On April 26, 1982, a Beech A36TC (registration N1838F) operated by W.j. Jinkins was involved in an aviation accident near League City, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine-driven fuel pump was assembled with dirt and a torn seal embedded in the valve bore, which could cause sticking of the valve and produce erratic fuel flow. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an abrupt engine failure at about 200 feet during takeoff. The pilot attempted to restart but failed, and performed a gear-up landing in an adjacent field. The engine-driven fuel pump was found contaminated with dirt and a torn seal.
Incident
At approximately 200 feet during climb, the engine abruptly quit. The pilot was unable to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks and turning on the boost pump. The aircraft was subsequently landed with the landing gear retracted in an open field adjacent to the runway.
Observations
Just prior to the engine failure, the pilot noticed that the fuel pressure gauge was indicating at the high end, off the scale. Inspection of the engine-driven fuel pump revealed that it appeared to have been assembled with dirt and a torn seal embedded in the valve bore. This contamination could cause sticking of the valve, which would produce erratic fuel flow.
Probable cause
The engine-driven fuel pump was assembled with dirt and a torn seal embedded in the valve bore, which could cause sticking of the valve and produce erratic fuel flow.
What happened in the 26 Apr 1982 Beech A36TC accident near League City, TX?
An aircraft experienced an abrupt engine failure at about 200 feet during takeoff. The pilot attempted to restart but failed, and performed a gear-up landing in an adjacent field. The engine-driven fuel pump was found contaminated with dirt and a torn seal.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 1982 involved a Beech A36TC, registration N1838F, operated by W.j. Jinkins, at League City, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine-driven fuel pump was assembled with dirt and a torn seal embedded in the valve bore, which could cause sticking of the valve and produce erratic fuel flow.
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