CHI97LA143

The pilot said the engine experienced a total loss of power shortly after takeoff. He said he was able to land the airplane on the remaining runway. The pilot said he intentionally ground looped the airplane so it would not roll into a ditch located near the runway's departure end. Following the accident the engine was run to its static RPM of 2,200 RPM. The inspection of the carburetor revealed a spalled float fulcrum pin. According to the FAA Maintenance or Defect Report filed on this discovery, '...wear on this pin can cause this type of problem.'

On May 21, 1997, at 2000 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 140, N76122, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during an intentional ground loop following a forced landing on runway 09 (1,800' x 100' dry sod) at the Sky-Go Airport, a restricted landing area 2 miles northwest of Fulton, Missouri. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries.

The pilot said the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during the intial takeoff climb. He said he was able to land back on the runway, but decided to intentionally ground loop the airplane to prevent it from colliding with a ditch located near the departure end of the runway.

A witness said he saw N76122 lift off the runway at mid-field. He said, "The engine sounded normal on the takeoff... ." According to the witness, N76122 was "...about 20 to 30 feet [above the runway] when the engine quit."

The engine was test run and attained its static RPM of 2,200 RPM. The engine on N76122 was equipped with a Stromberg carburetor, Model Number NAS-3A1. After the engine was test run the carburetor was disassembled. Examination of the carburetor's float fulcrum showed it was spalled. According to the FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report, "Experience has shown any wear on this pin can cause this type of problem."