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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 22, 1998 · Piper PA-28-180 · N1404T

Fayetteville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 22, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fayetteville, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N1404T
Operator
Lawrence Smith
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA052

According to the pilot, he made five or six touch-and-go landings on runway 4, then switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. The airplane appeared to continue running normally until after he turned onto his final approach. When he attempted to make a power adjustment by advancing the throttle on final approach, the engine did not respond. The pilot switched fuel tanks and turned on the electric boost pump, but there was no change in engine response. The pilot then made an emergency landing in an unprepared area about one mile south of the airport and was damaged. According to an FAA inspector, he examined the engine and determined everything appeared normal. He then examined the carburetor and found fuel. The gascolator bowl had no fuel in it. After finding fuel in both fuel tanks, the FAA inspector examined the fuel lines for blockage. He discovered rubber shavings in the left main fuel supply line which were obstructing fuel flow from the left tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

fuel system contamination (rubber shavings), which led to blockage of a fuel line, fuel starvation, loss of engine power, and a collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On February 22, 1998, at 1200 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N1404T, collided with the ground while on approach to Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field Airport in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated at the Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field Airport at 1100. According to the pilot, he made five or six touch and go landings on runway 4. On his last attempt, he switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. The airplane appeared to be running normally. He stated he was then told by Fayetteville tower to extend his downwind leg. When he turned onto his final approach, the pilot stated the engine did not respond when he added power. He switched fuel tanks and put on the electric boost pump, with no change in the engine response. The pilot stated he then selected a clearing in which to make an emergency landing. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the engine failed on final approach to runway 4. The airplane landed in a field one mile south of the airport. The inspector examined the engine and determined that the spark plugs appeared normal, and the cylinders produced normal compression. He then examined the carburetor and found fuel. The gascolator bowl had no fuel in it. After finding fuel in both fuel tanks, the FAA inspector examined the fuel lines for blockage. He discovered rubber shavings in the left main fuel supply hose which were obstructing the fuel flow from the left tank. The inspector stated the AN fitting was either installed improperly or it split the interior of the hose, allowing the rubber to mat up and restrict the fuel flow. The damage also could have occurred during maintenance. A review of the maintenance log books revealed that maintenance on the fuel system was completed in June of 1997. The FAA inspector submitted a Malfunction and Defect Report for the fuel hose.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EST
Nearest AirportFayetteville Rgnl/Grannis (1nm S)
Runway4
Runway Length7204 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN1404T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLawrence Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data