On June 22, 1986, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9625J) operated by Waldo L.conrad was involved in an aviation accident near Punta Gorda, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a forced landing after an in-flight engine failure caused by a foreign object obstructing the carburetor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot was forced to land in a residential area after the engine quit due to a piece of plastic obstructing the carburetor fuel flow during final approach.
What happened
The pilot reported that after completing a flight lasting approximately twenty minutes, the aircraft was on a long final approach when the engine began to sputter and subsequently stopped. The pilot executed a forced landing in a residential area. During the impact, the aircraft struck a ditch, which resulted in the severing of the landing gear.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the aircraft's carburetor revealed that a piece of plastic had become trapped between the needle and seat assembly. This obstruction effectively cut off the flow of fuel to the cylinders, causing the engine failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a forced landing after an in-flight engine failure caused by a foreign object obstructing the carburetor.
What happened in the 22 Jun 1986 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Punta Gorda, FL?
A pilot was forced to land in a residential area after the engine quit due to a piece of plastic obstructing the carburetor fuel flow during final approach.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jun 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9625J, operated by Waldo L.conrad, at Punta Gorda, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a forced landing after an in-flight engine failure caused by a foreign object obstructing the carburetor.
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