CEN22LA121

The pilot reported the takeoff and initial climb into the traffic pattern were uneventful. However, the engine began to run rough while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The pilot immediately changed the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank, verified that the carburetor heat was on, and turned the airplane toward the runway. The pilot’s efforts to restore engine power were not successful. The airplane was not able to glide to the runway, and the pilot executed a forced landing into a wooded area. Postaccident examination revealed that the left fuel tank was intact and the right fuel tank appeared to be compromised. A distinct fuel odor was present at the accident site and fuel was observed leaking from the left tank. The engine carburetor bowl contained minimal fuel, and the carburetor accelerator pump did not contain any fuel. No other anomalies with respect to the engine were observed. The pilot recalled that the left and right fuel tanks contained about 4 gallons and 7 gallons, respectively, before takeoff. While it is possible that the pilot’s decision to change to the tank containing less fuel resulted in unporting of the fuel tank inlet and the subsequent loss of engine power, the investigation was unable to determine the reason for the loss of power or the initial engine roughness.

On February 14, 2022, about 1640 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-150, N7337D, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Furlow, Arkansas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot recalled that the left and right fuel tanks contained about 4 gallons and 7 gallons of fuel, respectively, before takeoff. He reported the takeoff and initial climb into the traffic pattern were uneventful. When the airplane was on the downwind leg, abeam the approach end of the runway, the engine began to run rough. The pilot immediately changed the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank, verified that the carburetor heat was on, and turned the airplane toward the runway. The engine subsequently lost power completely. The airplane was not able to glide to the runway, and the pilot executed a forced landing into a wooded area, which resulted in damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage. A postaccident airframe examination revealed that the left fuel tank was intact, and the right fuel tank appeared to be compromised. First responders noted a significant odor consistent with fuel while on scene. A postrecovery engine examination revealed that the carburetor bowl contained minimal fuel, the accelerator pump appeared functional but did not contain any fuel, and the fuel inlet screen was clean. No other anomalies with respect to the engine were observed. The pilot noted that on two occasions before the most recent annual inspection, the engine ran “very badly” for about 30 seconds and then immediately cleared up. The accident occurred during the pilot’s first flight in the airplane following the inspection. The inspection determined the muffler baffles were loose, and a new muffler was installed. An examination of the recently installed muffler did not reveal any anomalies.