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NTSB Report
May 15, 1983 · Piper PA-22 · N3242Z
Spring Arbor, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 15, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Spring Arbor, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-22
Tail Number
N3242Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI83LA214
THE ACFT MADE A FORCED LANDING OFF THE ARPT WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB. THE ACFT HAD ABOUT 1/2 A TANK OF FUEL IN BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT TANK BEFORE TAKEOFF. THE PLT WAS USING THE RIGHT TANK FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT HAD DONE A 180 DEGREE LEFT TURN ON THE RWY FOR TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE QUIT AT ABOUT 200 FT AGL DURING TAKEOFF. A MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR FORFAA STATES THAT 'WHEN FUEL IS BEING USED FROM A TANK ON THE OUTSIDE OF A TURN, THE ENGINE MAY QUIT.' WITH LESS THAN A FULL TANK OF FUEL IN THE RIGHT TANK AND A TURN TO THE LEFT THE CENTRIFUGAL FORCE WOULD MOVE THE FUEL OUTWARD CAUSING AN INTERRUPTION IN THE FUEL SUPPLY. THIS LEAVES AN AIR BUBBLE IN THE FUEL LINE. WHEN THIS BUBBLE REACHES THE CARBURETOR THEENGINE QUITS. NO OTHER REASON WAS FOUND FOR THE ENGINE STOPPAGE IN THIS ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT MADE A FORCED LANDING OFF THE ARPT WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB. THE ACFT HAD ABOUT 1/2 A TANK OF FUEL IN BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT TANK BEFORE TAKEOFF. THE PLT WAS USING THE RIGHT TANK FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT HAD DONE A 180 DEGREE LEFT TURN ON THE RWY FOR TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE QUIT AT ABOUT 200 FT AGL DURING TAKEOFF. A MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR FORFAA STATES THAT 'WHEN FUEL IS BEING USED FROM A TANK ON THE OUTSIDE OF A TURN, THE ENGINE MAY QUIT.' WITH LESS THAN A FULL TANK OF FUEL IN THE RIGHT TANK AND A TURN TO THE LEFT THE CENTRIFUGAL FORCE WOULD MOVE THE FUEL OUTWARD CAUSING AN INTERRUPTION IN THE FUEL SUPPLY. THIS LEAVES AN AIR BUBBLE IN THE FUEL LINE. WHEN THIS BUBBLE REACHES THE CARBURETOR THEENGINE QUITS. NO OTHER REASON WAS FOUND FOR THE ENGINE STOPPAGE IN THIS ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EDT
Nearest AirportCorn Stubble (5nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length1600 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22
Tail NumberN3242Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A1A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 34 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:00
Weather SourceWFAC