Casualties unknown

Engine Failure After Annual Inspection Leads to Emergency Landing (N8647D)

Columbia, SC, US

On March 12, 1994, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N8647D) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A foreign object (appeared to be a piece of electrical tape) was lodged in the carburetor bowl, causing the engine to stop producing power. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced engine power loss at 1,700 feet during its second post-inspection flight. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a plowed field, during which the aircraft nosed over and sustained substantial damage. Investigation found a foreign object in the carburetor.

Summary

During the second flight following an annual inspection completed on March 1, 1994, the pilot reported that the engine stopped producing power at an altitude of approximately 1,700 feet after departure. An emergency landing was executed into a freshly plowed field. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over and was substantially damaged.

Sequence of Events

The annual inspection of the aircraft had been completed on March 1, 1994. The incident occurred on what was to be the second flight after that inspection. According to the pilot, shortly after departure, when the aircraft reached about 1,700 feet, the engine ceased to produce power. The pilot then performed an emergency landing in a plowed field. As the aircraft rolled through the field, it nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Inspection Findings

An inspection of the aircraft engine revealed that a foreign object, which appeared to be a piece of electrical tape, was lodged in the carburetor bowl. The pilot/owner reported that the mechanic who conducted the annual inspection stated that during the post-maintenance flight following the inspection, the engine seemed to be missing. The mechanic reportedly said there might be some trash in the fuel lines or carburetor, but that he was unable to locate the source of the problem.

Probable cause

A foreign object (appeared to be a piece of electrical tape) was lodged in the carburetor bowl, causing the engine to stop producing power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00842. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.