Engine Power Loss and Collision
During the approach to landing, as the pilot turned onto the downwind leg, the engine lost power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft toward a field for an emergency landing. During the descent, the aircraft struck a power line and subsequently impacted the ground.
Postcrash Examination
After the accident, the engine was examined. The examination showed that the engine had been operating with an excessively rich fuel mixture. The cause was traced to the carburetor: the float was stuck in the full needle valve open position. This condition resulted from excessive solder on the float fulcrum, which contacted the bowl wall and prevented proper movement.
Recent Modification
The carburetor had recently undergone a modification. A new style needle valve had been installed, which required the addition of weight to the float fulcrum using solder. The excess solder on the fulcrum interfered with the float's freedom of movement, leading to the stuck valve and the rich mixture that caused the power loss.