On February 21, 1988, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3524P) operated by E. Hart was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The rubbing of the composite carburetor float against the carburetor bowl, which interrupted the fuel supply to the engine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot experienced intermittent engine power loss at 2,000 feet MSL. The aircraft made a forced landing after colliding with a fence. Investigation revealed the composite carburetor float rubbing against the bowl cut off fuel supply.
What happened
The flight was cruising at an altitude of 2,000 feet mean sea level when the engine suddenly lost power. The student pilot attempted to restore power by switching fuel tanks, which allowed the engine to run for approximately 20 seconds before failing again. During the subsequent forced landing attempt, the aircraft collided with a fence and nosed over.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the engine after the incident. The inspection revealed that the carburetor float, constructed of composite material, was rubbing against the side of the carburetor bowl. This physical contact effectively cut off the fuel supply to the engine.
Probable cause
The rubbing of the composite carburetor float against the carburetor bowl, which interrupted the fuel supply to the engine.
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