ATL95LA107

The pilot reported a gradual reduction in engine power during the initial climb. While maneuvering for an emergency landing, the engine quit. The airplane collided with trees. The subsequent examination of the engine revealed that the carburetor float needle assembly was tighter than normal in the seat assembly.

On June 8, 1995, at 1830 eastern daylight time, a Boeing D75N1, N53232, collided with a tree during a takeoff attempt from a private airstrip near Fayetteville, Georgia. The personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the pilot received serious injuries, and the passenger received minor injuries.

According to the pilot, he landed at Willow Park Airstrip, and had been on the ground thirty minutes before he attempted the takeoff. As the pilot taxied for the takeoff, he completed a magneto check. The pilot stated that he departed runway 27 and climbed to approximately 200 feet above ground level. During the initial climb, the engine Rpm dropped to 1500, and the pilot executed a left turn for an emergency landing in an open field. While maneuvering for the emergency landing, the engine rpm dropped to 1100, and then the engine quit. The aircraft lost altitude and collided with trees.

An examination of the aircraft fuel system revealed a positive fuel flow to the gascolator. However, no fuel was found from the gascolator to the inlet of the carburetor. The carburetor fuel bowl was found to be full of fuel.

According to a repair facility that specialized in D75N1 repairs, and an engineer from the Federal Aviation Administration powerplant division, the fuel system conditions revealed during the aircraft examination were indicative of a carburetor float needle valve assembly malfunction. Examination of the float needle valve and seat assemblies revealed that the float needle valve was tighter than normal in the seat assembly.