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this was hard to believe but this poor Ercouper had un unreliable mechanic. After the engine was rebuilt, installed and runup for 20 minutes the owner took the plane for an engine break-in flight:
After the engine quit on final he did not have enough altitude to make the runway and the airplane hit a fence and landed inverted on the highway. Post accident examination of the engine and related systems found numerous discrepancies and abnormal conditions related to the engine overhaul and its reinstallation in the airframe. While many of these discrepancies would have eventually induced a catistrophic engine failure, they were not contributory to the loss of engine power. Three specific conditions were likely related to the engine power loss. The engine driven fuel pump's outlet fitting was found loose and was easily moved, and the nuts attaching the fuel pump to the crankcase were found to be only finger tight. The nuts securing the P-leads for both magnetos were loose, with the nuts 2-turns from finger tight. The scuffing on the pistons indicates that the overhaul shop did not pre-oil the pistons, rings, and cylinders when the engine was put back together; this dry
condition allowed a large quantity of oil to migrate past the rings, fouling the plugs with carbon deposits. The fuel system in the aircraft consists of a 6-gallon tank in each wing and a 6-gallon header tank, which is mounted in front of the cockpit. Fuel is supplied to the engine's carburetor via gravity fed line only from the header tank. The engine driven fuel pump moves fuel from the wing tanks to the header tank to replenish that supply as the engine uses it. According to the Teledyne Continental operating manual for the "C" series engines, the typical cruise fuel consumption rate of the C75 engine is between 5 and 6 gallons per hour. At the conclusion of the impact sequence, the aircraft came to rest inverted, with all three fuel tanks breched. A fuel spill was noted under the fuel tank locations in both wings, and based on the size of the fuel stain, investigators estimated at least 10 gallons had leaked. The loose fitting on the fuel pump likely allowed it to suck air and
resulted in inefficeincey to the extent that the header tank was depleted of fuel, which in turn resulted in a fuel starvation event. The mechanic was going to leave town immediately after completing this job for a planned multi week vacation trip.
Cyrus ![]()
Dr. Cyrus Wood-Thomas D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Cyrus Wood-Thomas D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Diplomate of the National Board of Homeopathic Examiners
Past President of the Chiropractic Academy of Homeopathy
MDH Homeopathy, India
www.angelfire.com/az/CysWebSite
Tel: 928-925-0246 Long distance: 1-800-563-4095
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3248 Prescott, AZ 86302
Tel: 928-925-0246 Long distance: 1-800-563-4095
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3248 Prescott, AZ 86302
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