ATL96LA097

The pilot stated that he crossed over the airport at about 200 to 400 feet in preparation for landing. The engine started to sputter and lose power. The pilot verified the fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank since the left fuel tank was empty. (Before descending, he noted that the fuel gauge indicated that the right tank was 1/4 to 1/2 full.) The pilot also checked to ensure the carburetor heat was in, and that the magnetos were on both. The engine, however, continued to sputter. The pilot selected an open field for an emergency landing area, but was unable to reach the open field. The airplane collided with trees on final approach and crashed. The pilot reported that after the accident, 'The fire department put a bucket under the wing to catch leaking fuel and recovered 2-2.5 gallons, but fuel had been leaking for 40-60 minutes before they did this.' The pilot reported that he had 'topped off' the tanks before flight and had only flown about 2 hours and 45 minutes when the engine lost power. He also reported that the airplane should have flown at least 3.5 hours after being fully serviced. The engine assembly was removed and placed in an engine test stand. The engine started and developed power.

On June 29, 1996, at about 1605 central daylight time, a Cessna 140, N72438 registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed during a forced landing in the vicinity of Jacksboro, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Butler, Georgia, about 2 hours 35 minutes before the accident.

The pilot stated he departed Butler, Georgia en route to Toledo, Ohio, with a planned fuel stop in Jacksboro, Tennessee. He was unable to contact Jacksboro UNICOM upon arrival, and flew to the north towards London, Kentucky. He elected to return to the Jacksboro area due to fuel, and land at the Campbell County Airport. He crossed over the airport about 200 to 400 feet. The engine started to sputter and lose power. He verified that the fuel selector was on the right fuel tank since the left fuel tank was empty, checked that the carburetor heat was in, and that magnetos were on both. The engine continued to sputter. He selected an open field for the emergency landing area, but was unable to make the field. The airplane collided with trees while on final approach and crashed.

Examination of the crash site by the FAA revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction of the airframe or flight control system. The left and right fuel tank were not ruptured and no fuel was present in the fuel tanks. The fire department had placed a 5 gallon bucket in the vicinity of the left fuel tank. Two gallons of fuel was present in the bucket. Examination of the left fuel system revealed the line had sustained damage during the crash sequence. There was no evidence of browning of vegetation in the vicinity of the crash site.

The engine assembly was removed and shipped to the engine manufacture for examination. The engine was placed in a test cell in the presence of the FAA. The engine started and developed power. (For additional information see the Teledyne Continental Motors Report).