Incident
During an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot executed an emergency landing in an automobile parking lot. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with ground obstructions.
Inspection Findings
Post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor contained a mixture of approximately one-third water and grit deposits and two-thirds fuel. The interior of the top of the recessed wing fuel caps showed corrosion, and the locking shaft exhibited rust. The O-rings surrounding the shaft were deteriorated, and the shaft had a side-to-side free play of about 1/16 inch. The underside of the fuel caps also had corrosion and a pattern of scratches consistent with the use of an abrasive material in the corroded areas. Additionally, internal corrosion was present in the metal gascolator.
Maintenance History
An airworthiness directive (AD) required an annual inspection of the fuel cap areas for evidence of water contamination. The last annual inspection was performed on August 1, 1996, and the AD was signed off by a mechanic at that time. The aircraft was parked outside exclusively.