On October 8, 1993, a Cessna 182M (registration N91849) operated by Paul P. Shurko was involved in an aviation accident near Seligman, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The two screws that hold the float and needle valve in position had backed out, leading to fuel flow disruption and subsequent engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and his wife were returning from a cross-country vacation when their Cessna 182 suffered a total loss of engine power over northern Arizona. The emergency landing resulted in collision with a telephone wire and berm, causing substantial damage. Investigation found carburetor float screws had backed out.
Incident Overview
A pilot and his wife were returning from a cross-country vacation in their Cessna 182 when the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power approximately one hour into a return flight leg over a remote area of northern Arizona. The pilot initiated an emergency landing on a cattle ranch.
Sequence of Events
Ranch personnel who witnessed the incident reported that the engine was running erratically during the descent. The airplane subsequently collided with a telephone wire and a berm, which obscured a natural wash. The nose landing gear was sheared off, and the aircraft inverted as it impacted the far side of the wash.
Engine and Carburetor Examination
The engine was shipped to the manufacturer for examination. After minor repairs, the engine was started and then shut down after fuel was observed running out of the carburetor throat. An internal examination of the carburetor revealed that the two screws securing the float and needle valve in position had backed out. The carburetor had been disassembled and the float replaced 250 hours prior to the accident in compliance with a service bulletin.
Probable cause
The two screws that hold the float and needle valve in position had backed out, leading to fuel flow disruption and subsequent engine power loss.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Oct 1993 Cessna 182M accident near Seligman, AZ?
A pilot and his wife were returning from a cross-country vacation when their Cessna 182 suffered a total loss of engine power over northern Arizona. The emergency landing resulted in collision with a telephone wire and berm, causing substantial damage. Investigation found carburetor float screws had backed out.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Oct 1993 involved a Cessna 182M, registration N91849, operated by Paul P. Shurko, at Seligman, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The two screws that hold the float and needle valve in position had backed out, leading to fuel flow disruption and subsequent engine power loss.
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