On May 17, 1985, a Grumman American AA-5 (registration N9541L) was involved in an aviation accident near High Springs, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power due to restricted fuel flow caused by a carburetor inlet finger screen blocked by uncured fuel tank sealant. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft lost altitude shortly after rotation when the carburetor inlet finger screen became blocked by uncured fuel tank sealant, restricting fuel flow and causing a loss of power.
What happened
The pilot reported conducting a normal takeoff with the engine operating at 2200 RPM. Shortly after the aircraft rotated for climb, the engine RPM began to decrease significantly. Consequently, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the top of a large oak tree.
The investigation
A physical examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor inlet finger screen was obstructed. Specifically, the screen had a 75% blockage caused by uncured fuel tank sealant. This obstruction restricted the flow of fuel to the engine.
Findings
The restriction in fuel flow resulted in a subsequent loss of power during the critical takeoff phase. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude following the rotation, leading to the collision with the tree.
Probable cause
Loss of engine power due to restricted fuel flow caused by a carburetor inlet finger screen blocked by uncured fuel tank sealant.