Stuck, Jammed, Split

The aircraft lost power and landed in a field, coming to rest on its nose. During the post-crash investigation, the pilot stated he checked the fuel gauge prior to the flight and that it read one-half full. He did not visually check the quantity. Investigation revealed the fuel tank to be empty and the gauge stuck in the half-full position. The fuel gauge part number provided is 2-731.During a check ride, the chief pilot shut down the right engine in flight. When attempting a restart, the fuel shut-off lever jammed in the off position. The crew conducted a successful and uneventful single engine landing at the base airport. Upon investigation, a technician discovered the aft shroud on the r/h starter generator (p/n 23079-000-1) had slipped aft, blocking the linkage while the shutoff control remained in the off position. The shroud was repositioned and its clamp secured.

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple aircraft incidents were caused by critical component failures, including stuck fuel gauges, jammed engine control linkages, failed flap drive assemblies, and stripped or cracked structural parts.
• These mechanical malfunctions can lead to serious operational issues such as power loss, control difficulties, and the inability to use essential flight systems, often requiring emergency landings.
• Specific causes of failure included slipped shrouds, sheared internal components, suspected undersized washers, and stripped threads, affecting parts across various aircraft models.
• The Aeronca incident highlights the vital importance of pilots verifying instrument readings with physical checks (e.g., visually confirming fuel quantity) to prevent in-flight emergencies.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.