On May 12, 1983, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N3667L) was involved in an aviation accident near Pembroke Pines, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, an aircraft experienced engine sputtering at 50 ft, then complete power loss at 150 ft. It veered right, banked steeply, and crashed. Investigation revealed a blocked fuel injector nozzle caused by rubber debris from flexible fuel lines.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that during takeoff, the engine began sputtering as the aircraft climbed through about 50 feet above ground level. The engine noise stopped completely when the aircraft reached approximately 150 feet AGL. A puff of smoke was observed coming from the engine as the aircraft veered to the right and entered a steep right bank. The aircraft then lost altitude rapidly and crashed about 150 feet south of the departure end of Runway 9.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the left front cylinder fuel injector nozzle flow was about 40% less than the other three nozzles. A piece of rubber-type material was found restricting the fuel flow to that nozzle. The material was identified as butadiene/acrylonitrile, which is the same material used in some flexible fuel lines.
Pilot Injuries and Equipment
Both pilots received serious head injuries. The surviving pilot in the back seat could not remember the flight or the accident. Shoulder harnesses were available and used, but neither harness was equipped with inertia reels. The flight manual and 14 CFR 23.785 state that shoulder harnesses should be loose enough for flight operations.