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:

• Various aircraft components, from fuel gauges and control linkages to engine mounts and trim jackscrews, can fail or become compromised due to mechanical issues, component fatigue, or improper installation.
• Pilots must cross-verify critical instrument readings, such as fuel levels, with physical checks to prevent incidents caused by faulty gauges.
• Thorough maintenance is essential to prevent operational failures, addressing issues like mispositioned shrouds, inadequate component specifications (e.g., washer size), and ensuring the integrity of even redundant systems to prevent cascading failures.

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