Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
failure of the carburetor heat box flapper valve, and the resultant air flow restriction to the carburetor. A factor relating to the accident was: high vegetation in the area where the forced landing was executed.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 5, 1996, approximately 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N2564M, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing into high vegetation following a total loss of power during the initial climb after takeoff from the Astoria Airport, Astoria, Oregon. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and was destined for Troutdale, Oregon. The ELT was activated by the impact.
The pilot reported that he executed a mid-field takeoff from runway 26, and while climbing through 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine abruptly stopped. Unable to achieve a restart, he executed a forced landing into an area of heavy brush slightly west of the upwind end of runway 26.
An FAA monitored engine inspection determined that the carburetor heat box flapper valve had broken loose and moved into a position where it restricted the airflow in the carburetor throat.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA96LA178