20000320010409A

(-23) March 20, 2000, at approx. 3:40 pm, a steen skybolt (N75CM) made an emergency landing airport. The cause of the forced landing was due to partial power failure. It was discoverd, after the accident, that when the a/c boost pump turned on, the fuel wwas coming out from the top of the gaslator. Upon examination of the gasalator, it was discovered that the bolt running through the gasolator had backed out, thus causing fuel to pour out of the top of the gasolator unit. Upon tightening the bolt back down and applying fuel boost pressure to the gasolator, no fuel leaks were noted. The fuel was checked for contamination and none was found. The fuel line and the fuel distribution port were checked for leaks. (None noted) (.4)the pilot said that he had landed at Tuscaloosa to refuel, and after departing the engine ceased operating without any warning. He executed an emergency landing, and the airplane incurred substantial damage during the landing. The pilot, also a certificated aircraft mechanic, further stated that he and the FAA inspector looked at the wreckage after the accident, and they discovered a massive fuel leak at the gascolator. The gascolator thumb nut had not been safety wired, and it had backed off, allowing fuel to pour out the top of the gascolator. The airplane had accumulated 10 hours since its last condition inspection, which the pilot said had been performed by the owner/operator.