On August 4, 1984, a Cessna C305A (registration N73ED) was involved in an aviation accident near Oceanport, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A broken fitting at the fuel pump discharge port caused fuel starvation, leading to power loss and forced landing. The fire ignition resulted from fuel spillage onto the hot manifold during landing touchdown. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner tow pick-up, the pilot experienced a power loss after a full power climb. A forced landing on sandy terrain resulted in a fire that destroyed the aircraft. The pilot evacuated safely. Investigation found a broken fuel pump fitting caused fuel starvation.
Accident
Aircraft was involved in a banner tow pick-up operation. Upon engaging the tow line, the pilot executed a full power pull-up to approximately 150 feet above ground level when a power loss occurred. The pilot performed a forced landing on sandy terrain. During the landing roll, a fire broke out. The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft, but the aircraft was destroyed by the ground fire.
Investigation
Investigation revealed a broken fitting at the fuel pump discharge port, which caused fuel starvation and the subsequent power loss. The ignition of the fire was determined to have occurred from fuel spillage onto the hot engine manifold upon landing touchdown.
Probable cause
A broken fitting at the fuel pump discharge port caused fuel starvation, leading to power loss and forced landing. The fire ignition resulted from fuel spillage onto the hot manifold during landing touchdown.