On April 10, 2006, a Cessna 150M (registration N714EJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Passadumkeag, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partially blocked fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. Factors in the accident included inadequate maintenance, and the unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced engine power loss at 1,500 feet. The pilot used short bursts of power from priming to reach a field, but the aircraft overran and struck trees. A pre-existing fuel flow discrepancy was found.
Accident Details
The airplane was in cruise flight at 1,500 feet when the engine lost power. As the pilot attempted to diagnose the problem, he noted that the fuel quantity indicator for the right tank showed one-quarter full, and the left tank indicator showed three-quarters full. The engine would not restart, but when the primer was pumped, the engine produced short bursts of power. The pilot used these short bursts to help the airplane reach a field selected as a forced landing area. The airplane touched down, then overran the field and struck trees.
Maintenance and Testing
Examination of the maintenance records revealed a discrepancy logged 3 days before the accident that cited unbalanced fuel flow from the fuel tanks. Tests of the fuel lines with compressed air showed a free flow of air on the right side, and an initial blockage on the left, which was cleared by the compressed air. The source of the blockage was not recovered. The engine was placed in a test cell where it started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption.