CLARKSBURG, CA, USA
N198TP
Piper PA-22-160
The pilot reported that prior to taking off for the planned 10-minute-long flight both fuel tanks contained over 5 gallons of fuel, and all airplane systems were functioning normally. The pilot arrived at his destination airport and entered the traffic pattern. Carburetor heat was applied, the throttle was retarded, and the airplane descended. After turning onto the base leg the pilot moved the throttle forward to increase engine power, and the engine 'blubbered and totally lost power.' Unable to glide to the runway, the pilot made a forced landing in a soft field adjacent to the airport, and the airplane nosed over. The FAA coordinator responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The FAA reported it examined the powerplant, induction system, engine controls, and magnetos. The ignition switch and the carburetor were also functionally examined. No evidence was found of any mechanical malfunctions. The reason for the interruption of engine power was not determined.
On May 14, 1998, at 1800 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22-160, N198TP, registered to the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (AOPA), experienced a total loss of engine power in the traffic pattern at the uncontrolled Clarksburg Airport, Clarksburg, California. Unable to glide to the runway, the commercial pilot made a forced landing in a soft field and the airplane nosed over. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Sacramento, California, at 1750. The pilot reported that prior to taking off for the planned 10-minute-long flight both fuel tanks contained over 5 gallons of fuel, and all airplane systems were functioning normally. The pilot arrived at Clarksburg and entered the traffic pattern. Carburetor heat was applied, the throttle was retarded, and the airplane descended. The pilot further stated that after turning onto the base leg he moved the throttle forward to increase engine power, and the engine "blubbered and totally lost power." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The FAA reported it examined the powerplant, induction system, engine controls, and magnetos. The ignition switch and the carburetor were also functionally examined. No evidence was found of any mechanical malfunctions.
A total loss of engine power for undetermined non-mechanical reasons. A contributing factor in the landing nose-over was the presence of the soft terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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