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Carburetor Valve Assembly Separation Causes Loss of Power and Accident During Landing (N2438C)

Springfield, TN, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Sept 1985 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Springfield, TN?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Sept 1985 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2438C, operated by Robert W. Skinner, at Springfield, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37695. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.