Casualties unknown

1982-07-22: Bucker Jungmann BU-131 (N55JG) — C. Jay Seiler — Tower City, PA

Tower City, PA, US

On July 22, 1982, a Bucker Jungmann BU-131 (registration N55JG) operated by C. Jay Seiler was involved in an aviation accident near Tower City, PA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff at about 50 feet above ground, the aircraft suffered an engine power loss and landed in a crop field. The aircraft struck the ground in a right bank, nose-down attitude and came to rest at impact. The engine separated; rusted metallic particles were found throughout the fuel system. Fuel dispensing equipment showed deterioration.

Overview

An aircraft experienced an engine power loss during the takeoff phase when it reached approximately 50 feet above ground level. The subsequent forced landing resulted in the aircraft coming to rest in a rolling field of crops.

Accident Sequence

After the engine lost power, the aircraft contacted the ground in a right bank and nose-down attitude. It came to rest at the point of initial impact. The force of the impact caused the engine to separate from the fuselage.

Post-Accident Examination

Inspection of the aircraft revealed extensive damage to the fuel, oil, and ignition systems. Small rusted metallic particles were found in the carburetor, fuel screen, fuel lines, and within the fuel itself. However, no blockage was verified in any of these components.

Fuel System Findings

An examination of the fuel dispensing equipment used to refuel the aircraft prior to the flight showed that the equipment was in a deteriorated condition. The source does not specify any further details regarding the nature of the deterioration or its potential link to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04043. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.