What happened
The pilot had received clearance to land on runway 27 at Memphis International Airport. Approximately one and a half miles east of the airport boundary, the pilot reported experiencing a sudden loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby parking lot. During the landing sequence, the aircraft collided with an automobile and subsequently struck a fence before coming to a final rest.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed significant maintenance discrepancies. Investigators found that the gascolator was entirely missing from its mounting location. Furthermore, the required safety wire for securing the gascolator was not located in the vicinity or on the aircraft. Records indicated that the last inspection of the engine had been conducted during an annual inspection in July 1995. The aircraft had accumulated 86 flight hours since that maintenance event.
Findings
The absence of the gascolator and its associated safety wire suggests a failure in post-maintenance inspection protocols. The loss of engine power was directly attributable to fuel flow interruption caused by the missing component. Fuel starvation due to the missing gascolator was the primary mechanical cause. The pilot's decision to land in a parking lot resulted in secondary damage from collisions with ground objects.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of verifying that all engine accessories and safety wiring are properly installed and secured after maintenance. Mechanics must ensure that no components are left loose or missing before returning an aircraft to service.