On December 30, 2011, about 1400 central standard time, a Fleet 16B airplane, N9753L, experienced a loss of engine power while maneuvering near the Zuehl Airport (1TE4), Marion, Texas. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted a tree and sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from 1TE4 about 1345.

The passenger reported that before the flight, he filled the airplane fuel tank with approximately 10 to 12 gallons of fuel. Shortly after takeoff, the passenger noticed that the fuel gauge, which was attached to the upper wing, “indicated between one quarter and one half tank of fuel.” During flight, the engine began to surge and then experienced a total loss of power. While approaching an open field for the forced landing, the airplane collided with a tree and subsequently impacted the ground and nosed over. The rudder and elevator were crushed and bent and the lower wing spar was broken. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted.

The airplane was recovered for further examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on January 6, 2012. The FAA inspectors examined the engine and the following was determined. There was fuel flow from the upper wing tank when the fuel selector valve was opened and the fuel flow stopped when the selector was moved to the OFF position. The fuel appeared to be 100 low lead aviation fuel with no contamination or water observed. The inspectors confirmed cylinder compression, valve train continuity, oil in the engine, and continuity of the throttle cables. When turned by hand the engine rotated smoothly; the left magneto, which had an impulse coupling, produced a spark on the aft sparkplug. The carburetor housing was broken and further inspection revealed no anomalies or contamination.

Further examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed a piece of welding slag blocking the fuel line. The pilot stated that he began to drain the fuel from upper wing tank; about a gallon of fuel drained before it stopped. The pilot ran a wire inside the fuel line and a piece of metal slag fell out. After the metal was taken out fuel began flowing again. The pilot stated that he previously had welding work done in the fuel tank.