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 involved critical mechanical failures, including a jammed fuel control linkage, a failed flap drive, and stripped pitch-trim jackscrews, necessitating emergency landings or extensive repairs.
• A stuck fuel gauge led to fuel exhaustion and an emergency landing, underscoring the critical need for pilots to visually verify fuel levels rather than relying solely on instrumentation.
• Other issues included cracked engine mount brackets and component failures, suggesting potential design weaknesses or fatigue contributing to in-flight safety concerns.

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