On July 25, 1984, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5464Y) operated by Jose A. Rielland was involved in an aviation accident near Ponce, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The backing out of a self-locking screw in the right engine fuel divider, which allowed fuel to escape via the upper divider block vent. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced right engine power loss during initial climb and was unable to clear obstructions, resulting in a gear-up landing in a field due to fuel leakage.
What happened
During the initial climb phase of flight, the aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of power in the right engine. The pilot immediately initiated emergency procedures and attempted to establish a gradual circuit pattern to return for landing. However, the aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude to clear known obstructions located along the runway approach path. Consequently, the pilot elected to perform a gear-up landing in a cane field.
The investigation
A subsequent mechanical examination revealed that a self-locking screw within the right engine fuel divider had backed out. This failure allowed fuel to escape through the upper divider block vent, leading to the power loss.
Probable cause
The backing out of a self-locking screw in the right engine fuel divider, which allowed fuel to escape via the upper divider block vent.