What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-06-22 involved a Piper PA-60-601, registration N7481S, operated by Cary E.gillum, at Hillsboro, TX.

Power Loss Due to Clogged Fuel Vent Lines by Wasp Debris Leads to Wheels-Up Landing (N7481S)

On June 22, 1987, a Piper PA-60-601 (registration N7481S) operated by Cary E.gillum was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsboro, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Partial or complete clogging of the upper and lower fuel vent lines by hard dirt deposited by wasps. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An aircraft lost power in both engines about three minutes after leveling at 6,500 feet, resulting in a wheels-up landing in a milo field. Examination revealed upper and lower fuel vent lines clogged by hard dirt deposited by wasps.

Accident Details

Approximately three minutes after the aircraft leveled off at 6,500 feet, it began losing power. Despite attempts to remedy the problem using the boost pump and crossfeed, both engines subsequently lost power. The aircraft sustained damage during a forced wheels-up landing in a milo field.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the aircraft revealed that the upper and lower fuel vent lines on both sides, as well as the lower vent line drains, were partially or fully clogged by hard dirt. The dirt appeared to have been deposited by wasps, as determined by investigators.

Maintenance History

The aircraft had flown only about 2.7 hours since its last annual inspection, which occurred on June 6, 1987.

Probable cause

Partial or complete clogging of the upper and lower fuel vent lines by hard dirt deposited by wasps.

1987-06-22: Piper PA-60-601 (N7481S) — Cary E.gillum — Hillsboro, TX