Casualties unknown

1995-06-11: Bellanca 8KCAB (N7631S) — Lawrence M. Ploucha — Miami, FL

Miami, FL, US

On June 11, 1995, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N7631S) operated by Lawrence M. Ploucha was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: TOTAL BLOCKAGE OF THE AIR INDUCTION AT THE SERVO FUEL INJECTOR BY PAPER FROM AN UNDETERMINED SOURCE AND INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE SERVICING BY OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise flight, the pilot activated the alternate air control, after which the engine lost power. A forced landing on a road resulted in a collision with a vehicle and tree. Investigation found a piece of paper in the servo fuel injector air inlet.

Incident Description

The pilot reported that during cruise flight, shortly after activating the alternate air control, the engine lost power. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful. The pilot executed a forced landing on a road. During the landing roll, the right wing of the airplane collided with a vehicle and a tree.

Engine Examination

Examination of the air induction system revealed a piece of paper in the servo fuel injector air inlet. The engine was placed on a test stand, and the paper was removed. After removal, the engine was started and found to operate to near full rated RPM. The only discrepancy noted was excessive magneto drop when operating on the right magneto, which was due to a broken sleeve (insulator) of one of the ignition leads.

Maintenance History

Review of the engine logbook revealed that the servo fuel injector was removed on May 8, 1995, and reinstalled 20 days later. The airplane had been operated for about 3.8 hours since the servo fuel injector had been reinstalled.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03773. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.