N1404T

On February 22, 1998, at 1200 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N1404T, collided with the ground while on approach to Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field Airport in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated at the Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field Airport at 1100.

According to the pilot, he made five or six touch and go landings on runway 4. On his last attempt, he switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. The airplane appeared to be running normally. He stated he was then told by Fayetteville tower to extend his downwind leg. When he turned onto his final approach, the pilot stated the engine did not respond when he added power. He switched fuel tanks and put on the electric boost pump, with no change in the engine response. The pilot stated he then selected a clearing in which to make an emergency landing.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the engine failed on final approach to runway 4. The airplane landed in a field one mile south of the airport. The inspector examined the engine and determined that the spark plugs appeared normal, and the cylinders produced normal compression. He then examined the carburetor and found fuel. The gascolator bowl had no fuel in it. After finding fuel in both fuel tanks, the FAA inspector examined the fuel lines for blockage. He discovered rubber shavings in the left main fuel supply hose which were obstructing the fuel flow from the left tank. The inspector stated the AN fitting was either installed improperly or it split the interior of the hose, allowing the rubber to mat up and restrict the fuel flow. The damage also could have occurred during maintenance. A review of the maintenance log books revealed that maintenance on the fuel system was completed in June of 1997. The FAA inspector submitted a Malfunction and Defect Report for the fuel hose.