Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the aircraft carburetor that resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that during a swath run, the aircraft engine stopped producing power. He executed a forced landing in the field. The aircraft nosed over during the roll out, causing substantial damage. Examination of the aircraft revealed that a piece of metal in the carburetor had broken loose from its weld, and jammed in the carburetor causing the carburetor to fail.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 21, 1994, at 1105 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25, N8819L, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a forced landing near Columbia, North Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local aerial application flight. The flight departed a private airstrip in Columbia, North Carolina about 1100. The pilot stated that during a maneuvering turn, the aircraft engine stopped producing power. He executed a forced landing into the field. After landing, the aircraft nosed over in the soft field causing substantial damage to the airplane. Examination of the aircraft revealed that a piece of metal located in the carburetor air box had broken loose from it's weld, and jammed in the carburetor. -