On June 14, 1993, a Beech H35 (registration N368B) operated by Single, James F. was involved in an aviation accident near Douglas, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine fuel pump vapor return jet was plugged with a small piece of black, crescent-shaped rubber material from a new fuel hose. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost engine power at 400 feet during initial climb, leading to a forced landing on a public road. The wing struck a cattle guard post, and the aircraft slid off the road. Investigation found the fuel pump vapor return jet clogged with rubber debris from a new fuel hose installed at the last annual inspection.
Accident Sequence
During the initial climb after takeoff, at approximately 400 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an emergency forced landing on a public road. As the aircraft rolled along the road during the landing ground roll, the wing impacted the post of a narrow cattle guard that spanned the road. The aircraft then slid off the road and came to a stop.
Investigation Findings
After the accident, the engine was tested and quit again while running. An examination of the engine fuel system revealed that the engine fuel pump vapor return jet was plugged with a small piece of black, crescent-shaped rubber material. A new fuel hose to the engine fuel pump, made of black rubber material, had been installed during the last annual inspection. The source of the rubber debris was determined to be from this newly installed hose.
Probable cause
The engine fuel pump vapor return jet was plugged with a small piece of black, crescent-shaped rubber material from a new fuel hose.
What happened in the 14 Jun 1993 Beech H35 accident near Douglas, WY?
An aircraft lost engine power at 400 feet during initial climb, leading to a forced landing on a public road. The wing struck a cattle guard post, and the aircraft slid off the road. Investigation found the fuel pump vapor return jet clogged with rubber debris from a new fuel hose installed at the last annual…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 1993 involved a Beech H35, registration N368B, operated by Single, James F., at Douglas, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine fuel pump vapor return jet was plugged with a small piece of black, crescent-shaped rubber material from a new fuel hose.
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