On March 3, 1993, a Cessna 172N (registration N8071E) operated by Powell, Kenneth W. was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A piece of brass lodged in the fuel metering port starved the engine of fuel, leading to total loss of power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During cruise flight, a total loss of power forced a landing in a small field near houses in a wooded area. The airplane impacted trees after rolling about 500 feet. FAA examination found a piece of brass lodged in the carburetor's fuel metering port, starving the engine of fuel.
Incident Overview
While in cruise flight, the airplane experienced a total loss of power. The pilot was forced to land in a small field located near houses in a heavily wooded area. After rolling approximately 500 feet, the airplane impacted trees.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the carburetor by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed a piece of brass lodged in the fuel metering port. This obstruction had starved the engine of fuel, leading to the loss of power. The carburetor had accumulated 29.7 hours of operation since its overhaul, and no maintenance work had been performed on it since installation.
Probable cause
A piece of brass lodged in the fuel metering port starved the engine of fuel, leading to total loss of power.
What happened in the 3 Mar 1993 Cessna 172N accident near Houston, TX?
During cruise flight, a total loss of power forced a landing in a small field near houses in a wooded area. The airplane impacted trees after rolling about 500 feet. FAA examination found a piece of brass lodged in the carburetor's fuel metering port, starving the engine of fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N8071E, operated by Powell, Kenneth W., at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A piece of brass lodged in the fuel metering port starved the engine of fuel, leading to total loss of power.
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