On May 17, 1982, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N25718) operated by Dwane A. Willis II was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsbluff, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to apply engine power at a sufficient rate during a touch-and-go approach, exacerbated by the aircraft's lack of an accelerator pump which necessitated a slower throttle application to prevent hesitation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced engine hesitation during a touch-and-go landing approach at approximately 50 feet above the runway, requiring full throttle application just before impact with the ground.
What happened
The pilot was conducting an approach for a touch-and-go landing when the aircraft began to drop unexpectedly at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above the runway. In response to the loss of altitude, the pilot applied full throttle; however, the engine hesitated and failed to accelerate immediately. The engine only regained sufficient power to prevent a crash just before the aircraft impacted the runway surface.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft was not equipped with an accelerator pump. This mechanical configuration required the pilot to apply engine power at a slower, more gradual rate to avoid engine hesitation during rapid throttle movements.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to apply engine power at a sufficient rate during a touch-and-go approach, exacerbated by the aircraft's lack of an accelerator pump which necessitated a slower throttle application to prevent hesitation.