Casualties unknown

1991-08-11: Luscombe 8E (N45WB) — William F. Bokodi — Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso, IN, US

On August 11, 1991, a Luscombe 8E (registration N45WB) operated by William F. Bokodi was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A foreign substance blocking the main metering orifice in the carburetor, which had migrated from a missing gasket on the drain plug. The pilot indicated that he had used a substitute material for replacement of the missing gasket. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the aircraft experienced total power loss. While turning to an emergency landing area, it stalled and entered a spin, impacting terrain. Investigation revealed a foreign substance blocking the carburetor's main metering orifice, originating from a missing gasket.

Accident Sequence

During the initial climb phase, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft in a turn toward an emergency landing area. During this turn, the aircraft stalled and entered an aerodynamic spin, subsequently impacting the terrain.

Post-Accident Examination

A subsequent investigation examined the aircraft's engine and carburetor. Investigators found a foreign substance blocking the main metering orifice within the carburetor. The substance was determined to have migrated from a missing gasket on the carburetor's drain plug.

Maintenance Details

The pilot reported that he had used a substitute material to replace the missing gasket on the drain plug. The investigation concluded that the foreign substance originated from this substitute material, which then obstructed the carburetor's main metering orifice, leading to the loss of engine power.

Conclusion

The investigation did not identify any other contributing factors. The event was directly linked to the presence of the foreign substance in the carburetor, which caused a total power loss during a critical phase of flight.

Probable cause

A foreign substance blocking the main metering orifice in the carburetor, which had migrated from a missing gasket on the drain plug. The pilot indicated that he had used a substitute material for replacement of the missing gasket.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17819. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.