On May 22, 1997, a Cessna 140 (registration N76122) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulton, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a malfunction of the engine's carburetor that was associated with a spalled carburetor float fulcrum pin which resulted in fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a total engine power loss shortly after takeoff and intentionally ground looped the airplane to prevent it from rolling into a ditch at the end of the runway. Post-accident inspection found a spalled float fulcrum pin in the carburetor.
Incident Summary
According to the pilot's report, the engine suffered a total loss of power shortly after takeoff. The pilot was able to land the airplane on the remaining runway surface. To prevent the aircraft from rolling into a ditch located near the departure end of the runway, the pilot intentionally performed a ground loop.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, the engine was run up to its static RPM of 2,200 RPM without issue. An inspection of the carburetor revealed a spalled float fulcrum pin. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Maintenance or Defect Report filed on this discovery stated: "...wear on this pin can cause this type of problem." No further causal determination was provided in the source.