N8210N

On July 8, 2000, at 1120 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, single-engine airplane, N8210N, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of fuel pressure and engine power near Leonard, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot received minor injuries, and the passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. The local flight was originating from the private grass airstrip at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that the flight departed to the south, and during the takeoff/initial climbing turn toward the east, the airplane lost fuel pressure. The pilot was attempting to return to the airstrip when the engine lost total power. The airplane "stalled", struck the ground with the right wing and nose, and came to rest short of the airstrip.

The FAA inspector responding to the site found that the right fuel tank was 1/2 full (approximately 12 gallons) and the left fuel tank contained 2 1/2 gallons. The integrity of the fuel system was compromised during the impact sequence. The fuel gascolator was found separated from the fuel system, and no fuel was found in the fuel lines or the carburetor. The fuel selector was found positioned between the left and right fuel tanks. Fuel flow from both tanks was possible to the fuel gascolator when either tank was properly selected. The engine was found separated at the engine mounts and the propeller blades were bent aft. The right wing spar was structurally damaged.