Accident Overview
Following departure from runway 14, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 200 feet when the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing straight ahead, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees. After impact, the pilot closed the fuel valve.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks contained fuel. The pilot stated that the fuel selector had been positioned on the left tank when the power loss occurred. A visual inspection of the engine at the crash site did not reveal any obvious discrepancies.
Engine Examination
The engine was subsequently removed from the airframe and examined at the request of the National Transportation Safety Board, under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration, on June 24, 1998. The examination identified fluid leakage in the fuel control system, specifically at the fuel pump and the throttle shaft.
Detailed inspection of the fuel pump showed leakage at the rear high speed adjusting needle where it seals to the pump body. No evidence of impact damage was observed on the fuel pump. Additionally, the throttle/metering unit leaked fluid at the throttle shaft into the metering unit. The leak at the throttle shaft was severe enough to preclude a flow test. The throttle arm displayed impact damage.
Upon removal of the throttle shaft from the unit, the O-ring seal was found to be flat from wear. After replacing the O-ring, the leakage ceased. The unit was then flow tested to manufacturer's standards. No other discrepancies were identified during the engine examination.