What happened
During the initial climb phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. This event occurred at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL). At the time of the failure, the pilot had already raised the landing gear. Due to the low altitude and rapid descent rate, there was insufficient time to lower the gear before impact. Consequently, the crew executed a wheels-up landing on the remaining usable portion of the runway.
The investigation
A physical examination of the aircraft's propulsion system revealed the root cause of the power loss. Investigators found that the strainer located within the carburetor was significantly obstructed. The blockage consisted of approximately three-quarters of the strainer being filled with a fine, lint-like material. Analysis determined that this debris originated from the fuel tank liner, which had degraded and shed particles into the fuel system.
Findings
The investigation identified several critical factors contributing to the accident:
- Fuel contamination: The presence of foreign material in the fuel system directly caused the engine failure.
- Carburetor strainer blockage: The obstruction prevented adequate fuel flow, leading to power loss.
- Source of debris: The lint-like material was traced back to the deterioration of the fuel tank liner.
This incident highlights the importance of monitoring fuel quality and inspecting fuel tank liners for degradation in older aircraft models.