ATL96LA085

The engine carburetor had been replaced about four days prior to the accident. The pilot stated that he had been airborne, over the airport, about 35 minutes with the engine operating satisfactorily. He initiated touch and go landings. During one takeoff, the engine quit about 150 feet above the ground. A forced landing was made to the only available landing site, a soft muddy field, made so by recent rains. The airplane nosed over after the landing. An inspector stated that post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the fuel strainer was clogged with foreign material that appeared to be from the fuel tanks.

On May 7, 1996, about 1805 central daylight time, a Merle Musson Cozy, N86LM, nosed over during a forced landing at Covingtion, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal, local flight. The private pilot had minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated about 30 to 40 minutes prior to the accident at the Covington Municipal Airport, Covington, Tennessee.

According to the pilot, he was conducting a post maintenance check flight following the replacement of the carburetor about 4 days prior to the accident. After flying above the airport about 40 minutes with no discrepancies, he entered the landing pattern. During the go-around of a touch and go landing, the engine quit about 150 feet above the ground. The airplane was landed in a wet, muddy field which resulted in a nose over at touchdown.

The airworthiness inspector who examined the airplane reported during a telephone conversation on May 13, 1996, that the fuel strainer was found clogged with a foreign material that apparently came from the fuel system.