Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft experienced a partial power loss shortly after takeoff, prompting a forced landing on a city street. The private pilot was carrying passengers at the time. According to reports, the pilot had not briefed the passengers on emergency procedures. Additionally, he did not fasten his shoulder harness because he did not know how to connect it.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 3,500 feet. Suddenly, the engine power dropped to idle RPM. The pilot reversed course and contacted the tower. He attempted to restore power by pumping the throttle. A policeman who observed the descending aircraft reported that it was moving slowly with black smoke trailing.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft collided with trees, poles, and a fence. Examination revealed that the carburetor had failed. Five days before the accident, the owner had safety wired the carburetor in an attempt to hold it together because the screws were stripped.
Findings
Investigators found that the seat belts installed were not original Cessna products. The shoulder harness could not be attached to the lap belts due to incompatibility. The pilot's failure to use the shoulder harness was attributed to his lack of knowledge on how to connect it.
The carburetor failure was identified as the cause of the partial power loss. The prior repair involving safety wire was noted in the investigation.