On September 26, 1985, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2438C) operated by Robert W. Skinner was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The carburetor valve assembly separated from the lever assembly, allowing the valve to seat flat against the carburetor and block airflow. The three securing screws were missing and the spot-welded safety bar was broken. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft sustained substantial damage after contacting terrain during landing following a loss of power on takeoff. Post-accident inspection revealed separation of the carburetor valve assembly from the lever assembly due to missing screws and a broken safety bar.
Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a loss of power shortly after takeoff, leading to a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft contacted terrain and sustained substantial damage.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection of the engine revealed that the carburetor valve assembly had separated from the lever assembly. This separation allowed the valve to seat flat against the carburetor, blocking airflow into the engine. The three screws that secure the valve assembly, part number 77671-09, to the lever, part number 77671-10, were missing. Additionally, the spot-welded safety bar, which serves to lock the screws in place, was found broken.
Probable cause
The carburetor valve assembly separated from the lever assembly, allowing the valve to seat flat against the carburetor and block airflow. The three securing screws were missing and the spot-welded safety bar was broken.