On April 14, 2006, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N592PR) was involved in an aviation accident near Dunnellon, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power as a result of fuel starvation due to a contaminated carburetor fuel inlet screen. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb after takeoff, engine power reduced to idle, causing altitude loss. The pilot avoided trees but the airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop. A post-crash fire consumed most of the airframe; all occupants exited. Investigation found debris in the carburetor inlet screen, but its source was not identified.
Incident Summary
During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine power reduced to idle, and the airplane began losing altitude immediately. The pilot maneuvered the airplane to avoid trees, but the airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop. A post-crash fire erupted, and the pilot and passengers exited the airplane. The majority of the airframe was consumed by the post-crash fire.
Examination of the Engine and Fuel System
During examination of the engine, the carburetor inlet screen was removed and found to be contaminated with a large amount of debris. The contamination was determined to be an accumulation of small ferrous particles. The fuel screens in the fuel selector valve and in the fuel tanks were examined, and no debris was found. A sample of the material from the carburetor inlet screen was sent to an outside laboratory to compare its composition to a sample of the insulation from the hose supplying fuel to the carburetor. The laboratory found that the debris inside the carburetor did not match the insulation material. The source of the debris was not identified.
Conclusion
No probable cause was stated in the investigation report. The source of the debris found in the carburetor inlet screen remains unknown.