CHI94LA105

During a departure climb out the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power and made a forced landing while trying to return to the airport. On subsequent examination the carburetor and propeller were damaged and replacements were located and installed. The engine ran properly on the right, left, and both magnetos. Traces of water were found while draining the fuel tanks.

On March 12, 1994, at 1800 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22- 108, N5135Z, registered to Wilbur W. Sterling on Carmel, Indiana, and operated by a private pilot, experienced a partial loss of engine power and made a forced landing while trying to return to runway 18 at Lebanon, Indiana. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was on departure with the intended destination of Westfield, Indiana, at the time of the accident.

During the accident the carburetor and propeller were broken off on impact and a replacement was located and installed. On examination the Federal Aviation Administration inspectors found that the engine had to be restarted three times. On a stabilized 1000 revolution per minute setting, the engine ran continuously on the left, right, and both magnetos. Due to the airplane's condition the throttle was not advanced above 1000 rpm. The engine appeared to operate properly.

The fuel selector was opened and traces of water was evident. The fuel was bright gold in color and determined to be auto fuel for which the owner held a Supplemental Type Certificate.