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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 20, 1996 · Piper PA-32-260 · N56155

Mancelona, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 20, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mancelona, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N56155
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA012

The pilot stated that during initial climb the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine, but was unable to do so. He made a forced landing in unsuitable terrain. A postaccident examination of the mechanical fuel pump found that the actuator arm was worn and fuel pressure and volume were not sufficient to maintain engine power. There is no manufacturer's requirement for inspection of the fuel pump during its service life. The pump had accumulated 1,007 hours.

NTSB Probable Cause

the worn fuel system pump (actuator arm). A factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot.

Full Narrative

On October 20, 1996, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N56155, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing about one-quarter mile west of the Lakes of the North Airport, near Mancelona, Michigan. The pilot reported a loss of engine power and the smell of smoke in the cockpit, prior to the forced landing. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file for the local flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot said that the engine quit completely and that he could not get it to restart. He then set up for a forced landing. An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the actuator arm for the mechanical fuel pump was worn to the extent that adequate fuel pressure and volume was not available. See the Federal Aviation Administration, inspector's report attached as an addendum to this report including drawing of affected part. There is no manufacturer's requirement for inspection of the mechanical fuel pump during its service life. The pump in the accident airplane had accumulated a total time in service of 1,007 hours at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN56155
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data