Accident Details
The pilot was performing a high-speed taxi run when the airplane began to lift off the ground. The pilot decided to take off. About 300-400 feet above the ground, the engine lost partial power, and the pilot made a forced landing on airport property.
Engine and Fuel System Examination
The engine was test-run on the airframe utilizing the airplane's own fuel system, but it would not start. Examination of the fuel system revealed that the carburetor fuel port and screen were blocked with debris. The debris was removed and the screen was placed back on the carburetor. The engine started immediately and ran continuously at various power settings without interruption. The debris was identified as small pieces of leaves, various pieces of colored material, and an insect cocoon.
Maintenance History
A 100-hour inspection was performed on the airplane about 37 days before the accident, and an overhauled engine was installed. The logbooks indicated that a new tachometer was installed at a time of 000.1, all fluid carrying hoses and scat hoses were replaced, and the fuel system was flushed. Eighteen days before the accident, an annual inspection was performed on the engine and airplane at a tachometer time of 000.1. At the time of the accident, the tachometer read 0001.9.
Regulatory Reference
According to Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 43 Appendix D, section (d)(3): "Each person performing an annual or 100-hour inspection shall inspect (where applicable), components of the engine and nacelle group as follows.....(3) Internal engine—for cylinder compression and for metal particles or foreign matter on screens and sump drain plugs."