What happened
The flight began with a departure from Safford Municipal Airport under visual flight rules for a personal trip to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly after leaving the airport, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure and selected a nearby area of flight brush as the landing site.
During the approach for touchdown, the aircraft struck a mesquite tree. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. No further details regarding injuries or specific damage extent were provided in the source record.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the engine was conducted following the accident. Inspectors identified that the induction air seal had separated from its mounting position. This component became lodged inside the carburetor, obstructing normal airflow and contributing to the power loss experienced during flight.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the mechanical failure of the engine's induction system. The separation of the induction air seal led to a blockage within the carburetor, which directly caused the partial engine power loss. This mechanical issue forced the pilot to execute an emergency landing under adverse conditions.
Safety message
Regular pre-flight inspections and maintenance checks are critical for identifying potential issues with engine induction systems. Ensuring that all seals and components are secure can help prevent in-flight power losses that may lead to forced landings.