Piper PA-28-181 N1941V accident near Arcola, Texas

Probable cause

Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl following an annual inspection.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during the first flight after an annual inspection. A detailed preflight inspection and extended before-takeoff engine run-up were normal. The takeoff and initial climb were as expected until about 300 ft above ground level when the engine abruptly lost power. The pilot’s attempt to land on the remaining runway was not successful. The airplane touched down hard and overran the runway.

Postaccident examination revealed that the gascolator strainer bowl was partially separated from the gascolator housing. The inboard hook of the gascolator bail (retaining wire) was engaged in the firewall bracket but did not continue into the upper portion of the gascolator housing, and the retaining nut at the bottom of the bail was loose. No safety wire was present on the retaining nut or the bail. Additionally, a clear streak about 6 inches long was present on the bottom of the fuselage running aft from the firewall below the gascolator assembly. No other mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted.

The airframe manufacturer had issued a service letter recommending recurring inspection of the gascolator assembly every 90 days or 50 hours time in service. The service letter also specified safety wire for the bail (retaining wire) and for the strainer bowl retaining nut. The mechanics acknowledged that safety wire was not reinstalled on the gascolator after the annual inspection.

It is likely that the gascolator strainer bowl dislocated during takeoff because it was not fully secured following the annual inspection. The resulting fuel leak subsequently interrupted fuel flow to the engine and caused a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA268 for the full record.