Accident

[Keith]

In the latest issue of Flyer in the Accident Reports Section they list one for an Ercoupe. The report reads:

Aircraft: Ercoupe 415c
Location: Hartselle, AL
Injuries: One serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
What Reportedly Happened: The engine lost power as the pilot turned onto the downwind leg for landing. As the pilot approached for landing, the aircraft collided with a power line and then the ground. A post-crash examination of the engine showed it was operating with an excessively rich fuel mixture. The carburetor float, which was found stuck in the full-needle valve-open position, had excessive solder on the float fulcrum that contacts the bowl wall. The carburetor had been recently modified by installing a new style of needle valve, which also required the addition of weight to the float fulcrum with solder.
Probably Cause: Improper modification of the carburetor float by maintenance personnel resulted in the float sticking in the full-needle valve-open position. The engine failed due to excessive fuel flow.

Just FYI

Keith Bolte
5663F
Portland, OR