NYC96LA115

The pilot expressed concern to a mechanic of fuel blockage before an annual inspection a few days before the accident. No evidence of fuel blockage was found. The pilot attempted a takeoff from a wet, soft, turf runway, with the right fuel tank selected. During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power, and the pilot landed on the remaining runway. A second takeoff was initiated with the left fuel tank selected; however, the engine lost power during the initial climb near the departure end of the runway. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane nosed over. Subsequent examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel gascolator was partially blocked with dirt and sediment, which restricted the fuel flow.

On May 24, 1996, about 1950 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe SL-8, N2189B, an airplane, sustained substantial damage when it made a forced landing after takeoff in Macedon, New York. The private pilot, sole occupant, incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Macedon, about 1950, destined for Palmyra, New York.

The pilot reported that the airplane had an annual inspection on May 20, 1996. Prior to the annual inspection, the pilot expressed concern to the mechanic of a possible fuel blockage. The mechanic informed the pilot that he was unable to detect a fuel blockage throughout the fuel system.

According to the pilot, the day of the accident, he taxied with the right fuel tank selected with no problems. The pilot then departed with the right fuel tank selected. During the initial takeoff climb, the engine lost power, and the pilot landed on the remaining turf runway, which was wet and soft. He then elected to attempt a takeoff with the left fuel tank selected; he intended to return to the maintenance facility in Palmyra. During the second attempted takeoff, the engine lost power again, during the initial takeoff climb, near the departure end of the runway. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane nosed over.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector revealed that the fuel gascolator was blocked with sediment. The FAA Inspector's statement stated, ". . .checked the left and right fuel selector valves, checked fuel flow through both gas lines to the Tillotson fuel strainer (gascolator), and checked the sediment bulb for obstructions. There were no irregularities found until [the Inspector] disconnected the gascolator bracket and discovered an accumulation of dirt and sediment. This obstruction was sufficient to restrict the fuel flow to a very slow drip."