DALTON, NE, USA
N2173J
Cessna T-188C
The pilot stated that the takeoff run was uneventful, but during the climb the engine experienced a substantial loss of power. The pilot reported that he did not have, '... time, airspeed, or altitude to turn.' The airplane impacted the top of a tree line, a residential structure, a fence, and a propane tank before coming to rest. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airframe and the flight control system. The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of a chemical mixture and was within the weight and balance limitations for the aircraft. The fuel pump was tested and was found to be outside the manufacture's limitations. The maximum allowable fuel pressure, at 2,700 rpm and 39.5 inches of mercury, is 37.0 psi. The fuel pump from the accident airplane was bench-tested and yielded 60 psi.
On April 13, 1999, at 1705 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T-188C, N2173J, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial climb, near Dalton, Nebraska. The airplane impacted a line of trees, a residential structure, a propane storage tank, and a fence during the forced landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was departing a private airstrip near Dalton, Nebraska at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, the takeoff run was uneventful, but when the aircraft departed the runway the engine experienced a substantial loss of power. The pilot reported that he did not have, "... time, airspeed, or altitude to turn." The pilot stated that the airplane impacted the top of a tree line, a residential structure, a fence, and a propane tank before coming to rest. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airframe and the flight control system. The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of a chemical mixture and was within the weight and balance limitations for the aircraft. The fuel pump was tested and was found to be outside the manufacture's limitations. The maximum allowable fuel pressure, at 2,700 rpm and 39.5 inches of mercury, is 37.0 psi. The fuel pump from the accident airplane was bench-tested and yielded 60 psi.
the improper adjustment of the fuel pump by maintenance personnel. Factors to the accident were the excessive output of the fuel pump, trees, residential structure, fence, and propane tank.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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