Accident Overview
The commercial certificated pilot departed from his company's fishing lodge for a cross-country business flight. Shortly after takeoff, while the airplane was approximately 300 feet above the ground, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot attempted to restore engine operation by switching fuel tanks and activating the engine boost pump, then initiated a turn into the wind. Despite these efforts, the engine did not restart.
With the engine inoperative, the pilot selected an open area of marsh for an emergency landing. Upon touchdown, the nose wheel separated from the nose wheel strut, and the airplane nosed down in the soft terrain. The impact inflicted damage to the engine, propeller, and the left wing.
Post-Accident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine conducted by a mechanic revealed corrosion and blockage of the vent hole in the engine manifold valve housing. The manifold valve is a component that controls fuel delivery to the cylinders. It consists of a fuel inlet, a diaphragm chamber, and outlet ports for fuel lines to each cylinder. A spring-loaded diaphragm operates a valve in the central bore of the lower chamber of the valve body. Fuel pressure below the diaphragm opens the valve to allow fuel flow to each cylinder, while a spring above the diaphragm keeps the valve closed in the absence of fuel pressure. The upper chamber of the valve housing, which contains the spring, is vented to the atmosphere. The presence of corrosion and a blocked vent hole likely impaired the valve's operation, though the specific impact on engine performance was not detailed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage, but no information was provided regarding injuries to the pilot or other occupants.