19991015030489A

(.19) On October 15, 1999, about 1245 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N3013C, registered to aac enterprises, inc., experienced a loss of engine power and in-flight collision with a tree shortly after takeoff from a grass airstrip located near Lebanon, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated about 5 minutes earlier. According to FAA personnel, after takeoff the engine experienced a loss of power. Unable to land on the remaining runway, the pilot maneuvered the airplane during which, the right wing separated after contact with a tree. The airplane came to rest upright facing 180 degrees from the direction of takeoff. Preliminary examination of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the fuel selector valve was positioned to the right tank. The aircraft's battery switch was turned on along with the auxiliary fuel pump, and with the fuel selector moved to the left tank position, fuel leakage was noted at the gascolator n ear the gasket. The investigation continues. (.4)after takeoff about 75 feet AGL, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot landed the airplane on the remaining runway and collided with trees, separating the right wing. Post accident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the gascolator bowl was loose and fuel leakage was noted at the gascolator when the auxiliary fuel pump was turned on. The threaded portion of the bail wire p/n 494 644, was noted to have 2 1/2 failed threads near the top. The gascolator was bypassed, the engine was started and found to operate normally. During the last annual inspection, the gascolator seal was replaced. It was reported by the pilot that on the first takeoff following the annual inspection, the engine experienced a loss of power in an identical manner; an uneventful landing occurred. Following the uneventful landing, the mechanic who performed the annual inspection and the pilot noted that the gascolator seal was not seated properly. A rubber gascolator seal was installed to replace the cork type seal that had been installed during the annual inspection. The airpla NE had accumulated approximately 3 hours since the annual inspection at the time of the accident.