History of the Flight
The flight departed Little Grand Rapids Airport, Manitoba, at 1430 CDT, en route to Matheson Island. The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser, carrying a pilot and two passengers. While climbing through 2,200 feet above sea level, the engine lost power. The aircraft descended and struck a tree, after which the engine briefly regained power. As the aircraft climbed through 2,000 feet, the engine again lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a marshy area approximately 27 nautical miles west of Little Grand Rapids.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot suffered minor injuries; both passengers were uninjured. The aircraft struck several evergreen trees (one to three inches in diameter) during the forced landing, resulting in extensive damage to the wings, fuselage, landing gear, and engine mountings.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the engine lost power due to fuel starvation. Each fuel tank contained a cloth rag approximately 6 by 14 inches in size. The rags sank in fuel and were not visible during a pre-flight inspection because the filler necks only allowed a limited view. The rags were likely placed in the tanks by a person or persons unknown. The engine started and ran normally during post-accident testing, but low fuel pressure was noted. The fuel pumps, lines, filters, and screens were serviceable and clear. The carburettor heat system was partially seized but did not contribute to the power loss.
Probable Cause
The Board determined that the aircraft's engine lost power because of fuel starvation resulting from rags placed in the aircraft's fuel tanks by a person or persons unknown. Contributing factors were the ease of access by the public to aircraft parked on the ramp, and the lack of security of the aircraft's fuel supply.