On October 14, 1995, a Cessna 140 (registration N1782V) was involved in an aviation accident near Dixon, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Debris in the carburetor main jet partially blocked the fuel flow, causing the engine to lose power during the climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot experienced engine failure during a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in an emergency landing in a field and damage to the aircraft.
What happened
While performing touch-and-go pattern operations, a student pilot reported that the engine sputtered and lost power during the initial climb. Due to insufficient altitude to reach the runway, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a corn field. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's wings and fuselage; the pilot was not injured.
The investigation
An on-scene inspection of the fuel system found 2-1/2 gallons of fuel in the right wing tank and 3-1/2 gallons in the left wing tank. Investigators found no evidence of water contamination during inspections of the fuel tanks and the gascolator. Upon opening the carburetor, investigators discovered a small amount of debris within the bowl. The particles were large enough to obstruct fuel flow to the main jet. A detailed inspection confirmed that a fragment of debris was lodged in the orifice of the main jet, causing a blockage of approximately 60 to 70 percent.
Probable cause
Debris in the carburetor main jet partially blocked the fuel flow, causing the engine to lose power during the climb.