On October 7, 1987, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N2077P) was involved in an aviation accident near Livermore, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb, the right engine ran rough. Pilot reported loss of power, entered downwind leg, but was unable to maintain altitude, leading to collision with an electrical transmission pole and subsequent street impact. Post-accident examination revealed rust obstructing the carburetor.
Incident Overview
A personal flight experienced an engine issue shortly after departure. During the initial climb phase, the right engine began to run rough. The pilot notified the tower controller of a loss of power and initiated a return to the airport, entering the downwind leg of the traffic pattern.
Sequence of Events
After reporting the power loss, the pilot continued on the downwind leg in preparation for landing. However, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude. It subsequently collided with an electrical transmission pole and then impacted the ground in a street. The exact location and specific details of the aircraft were not disclosed in the investigation source.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident engine examination was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The examination found that the carburetor was obstructed by rust. This obstruction likely prevented proper fuel flow, leading to the engine roughness and eventual loss of power.