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NTSB Report

August 2, 1997 · Cessna 150 · N3517J

Columbia, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Columbia, SC
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N3517J
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA225

The student pilot was on initial takeoff climb at about 200 feet when the their was a reduction in engine power. The CFI took over the flight control, lowered the nose looking for a forced landing area. The airplane collided with furniture storage building, nosed over inverted, and a postcrash fire ensued. Examination of the airframe and flight control system revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. Examination of the fuel system revealed a 6 inch fuel hose that runs between the carburetor and the sediment bowl was about 50 percent obstructed at both ends.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper rebuild/remanufacture of the fuel line (obstructed at both ends) that runs between the carburetor and sediment bowl by an unknown person. This resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, forced landing to non-suitable terrain, and an in-flight collision with a nonresidential building.

Full Narrative

On August 2, 1997, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N3517J, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced a reduction in takeoff power on initial takeoff climb, and crashed during a landing in the vicinity of Columbia, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and a postcrash fire ensued. The commercial pilot (certified flight instructor) and student pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The flight instructor stated the student pilot made the takeoff from runway 31. Between 150 to 200 feet there was a reduction in engine power. He immediately checked the throttle full on, mixture full rich and carburetor heat off. About 3 seconds later he heard a sound similar to an engine backfire. He took over the flight controls, lowered the nose and looked for a forced landing area. He observed wires to the left and right and to his front. He lowered the nose, and went below the wires. The nose wheel collided with a furniture storage building, and the airplane nosed over inverted. He and the student pilot exited the airplane unassisted and a postcrash fire ensued. Examination of the airframe and flight controls revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The engine was mounted to the front of an aircraft tug. Fuel was added to the carburetor and power was applied to the engine starter motor. The engine rotated and began to run. Examination of the fuel system by the FAA revealed a 6-inch fuel hose that runs between the carburetor and the sediment bowl was about 50 percent obstructed at both ends. "The hose appeared to have been fabricated without the benefit of proper tools."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN3517J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data