On February 23, 1995, a Mooney M20E (registration N7142U) was involved in an aviation accident near Mclain, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the servo fuel injector due to the outer self-locking nut on the fuel diaphragm stem not being attached to the fuel regulator, causing the fuel regulator to move to the no-fuel-flow setting. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise, executed a forced landing on a highway, and collided with a sign during the landing roll. Examination revealed a failed servo fuel injector due to a missing self-locking nut.
Incident Summary
During cruise flight, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing onto a highway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a sign. The pilot reported no further details regarding the event.
Examination Findings
An on-scene examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the servo fuel injector had failed. Further examination of the servo fuel injector was conducted by the FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office and the manufacturer. This examination disclosed that the outer self-locking nut on the fuel diaphragm stem was not attached to the fuel regulator. Consequently, the fuel regulator traveled to the no-fuel-flow setting, resulting in a complete loss of engine power.
The servo fuel injector had been overhauled on January 31, 1995. No other anomalies were noted in the fuel system.
Probable cause
Failure of the servo fuel injector due to the outer self-locking nut on the fuel diaphragm stem not being attached to the fuel regulator, causing the fuel regulator to move to the no-fuel-flow setting.