Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing After Fuel Servo Malfunction

Casualties unknown • Cynthiana, KY, US

Aircraft experienced engine failure at 6000 feet, forcing a landing in an open area after trees severed the wings. Investigation revealed an inoperative fuel servo assembly.

What happened

The aircraft was cruising at 6000 ft MSL when the engine quit. The pilots set up a glide for Cynthiana/Harrison Arpt while trying to restart the engine. When it became apparent that they could not reach the arpt they headed for an open area. The acft went between 2 trees which took off both wings and the fuselage hit the ground hard. The acft then slid to a stop.

The investigation

When the engine was examined the fuel servo was found inoperative. This assembly P/N 2539806 was the subject of a Bendix Service Bulletin # RS-85 issued 6/20/83. Action recommended was to replace the diaphragm with a new one P/N 2541803. Service bulletins are not mandatory. This bulletin was made an airworthiness directive in 8/83.

Probable cause

Engine failure due to an inoperative fuel servo assembly, which had been the subject of a Bendix service bulletin and subsequent airworthiness directive.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-07-12 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Cynthiana, KY?

Aircraft experienced engine failure at 6000 feet, forcing a landing in an open area after trees severed the wings. Investigation revealed an inoperative fuel servo assembly.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-07-12 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N6866J, at Cynthiana, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure due to an inoperative fuel servo assembly, which had been the subject of a Bendix service bulletin and subsequent airworthiness directive.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43582. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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