NEW BRAUNFELS, TX, USA
N122MB
BURKEN ULTIMATE
SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB HE 'SMELLED FUEL, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE.' AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF FLIGHT, THE ENGINE 'STOPPED' DURING THE DESCENT TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE SHORT OF THE AIRPORT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED A LOOSE FUEL LINE FITTING NEAR THE CARBURETOR. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL SPILLAGE AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.
On March 10, 1995, approximately 1530 central standard time, a Burken Ultimate, N122MB, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near New Braunfels, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The pilot stated that he departed a private airstrip near Zuhl, Texas, for a 7 minute flight to New Braunfels Municipal Airport (3R5), with approximately 10 gallons of fuel. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that during the initial climb from the airstrip, he "smelled fuel," but could not determine the source. He continued the climb to 7,500 feet above ground level (AGL), and began a descent into his destination. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he "smelled fuel" during his approach to "the traffic pattern for runway 17." At approximately 3,500 feet AGL, the engine lost power. The pilot then executed a forced landing to a field approximately 1/2 mile short of the runway. On scene examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed a loose fuel line fitting near the carburetor. Additionally, the pilot reported a "loose fuel line fitting between the engine fuel pump and carburetor." The pilot reported in his written statement that his pre-flight inspection was "normal." The FAA inspector reported that he did not observe any evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site. The left wing was structurally damaged.
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION DUE TO A FUEL LEAK RESULTING FROM A LOOSE FUEL LINE FITTING. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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