What happened
The accident occurred during the takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing procedure. While the aircraft was accelerating for departure, the engine abruptly ceased operation without prior warning. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing within the confines of the airport property. During the subsequent ground contact, the aircraft's nose pitched downward violently, resulting in a nosing-over incident that caused significant structural damage to the forward fuselage and landing gear assembly.
The investigation
A thorough post-accident examination of the airframe and propulsion system was conducted to determine the root cause of the sudden power loss. Investigators focused primarily on the fuel delivery system, specifically inspecting the carburetor components for obstructions or mechanical failures. The inspection revealed that the main metering jet within the carburetor was completely obstructed by a foreign substance. Analysis of the debris indicated it resembled a thread-locking compound, such as Loctite, which had migrated into the fuel flow path and prevented proper fuel atomization.
Findings
The sudden loss of engine power was directly attributed to fuel starvation caused by the blockage in the carburetor's main metering jet. The presence of a thread-locking substance suggests that maintenance activities involving fasteners near the carburetor or fuel lines may have inadvertently allowed material to enter the system. The nosing-over during the forced landing was a consequence of the high descent rate and lack of power required to maintain controlled flight dynamics during the emergency approach.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of proper maintenance procedures when working near carburetor assemblies. Technicians must ensure that thread-locking compounds or other sealants are not introduced into fuel systems, as even small amounts can cause catastrophic blockages in precision metering jets. Regular inspection and cleaning of fuel system components are essential to prevent foreign object damage.