ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 358172
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| Date: | Monday 9 October 1995 |
| Time: | 09:30 LT |
| Type: |  Piper J3C-65 |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N59931 |
| MSN: | 8472 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 5035 hours |
| Engine model: | CONTINENTAL A-65-8 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Tucson, AZ -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | (KRYN) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
During the takeoff initial climb, the engine lost power and the airplane collided with trees short of the intended forced landing area. Examination of the airplane revealed that it was using automotive gasoline. During a test run the engine operated at full rpm, then began to lose power output (300 to 400) rpm. Carburetor heat was applied, and the engine gained partial return of power. When the carburetor heat was removed, the engine returned to the previous running condition. A float level problem was suspected, and the carburetor was sent out for analysis at an overhaul shop. The aircraft owner subsequently decided to replace the carburetor with a different type, and the accident carburetor was lost in the overhaul process. Information Letter 8401 (12/15/84) from the EAA advises of a long standing problem with rubber tipped needle valves which swell when exposed to automotive fuels. The letter states that slow degeneration of in-flight engine power has been observed when the rubber needle valve tips swell and decrease the orfice size at the carburetor inlet. Sudden losses of power have also been reported during takeoffs in aircraft following a long period of inactivity.
Probable Cause: fuel starvation due to swelling of the carburetor needle valve tip, which restricted the fuel flow to the carburetor inlet. A factor in the accident was the use of automotive gasoline.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB LAX96LA005
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 14-Mar-2024 10:42 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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