According to the private pilot, the engine run-up, taxi to the runway, and takeoff were normal.
After establishing a positive climb rate, he retracted the landing gear. Shortly after the gear retraction, the engine lost total power.
The pilot quickly tried to restart the engine without success and then conducted a forced landing on the remaining runway in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
The Navion hit the side of the runway and came to rest upright.
No fuel was found in the fuel lines from the firewall to the engine fuel system components. The fuel selector valve and gascolator were removed for further examination and testing.
A vacuum test of the fuel selector valve revealed no anomalies. The gascolator exhibited fuel staining on the top of the casting.
A vacuum test of the gascolator revealed that it leaked severely due to degraded rubber gaskets.
It is likely that the leaks in the gascolator allowed air to enter the fuel system and resulted in the loss of engine power.
The pilot said he typically needed to use the electric fuel boost pump in the low position to keep the engine running smoothly during the run-up and taxi until the engine reached normal operating temperature, which was contrary to the airplane checklist that was provided by the pilot.
Probable cause: A leak in the gascolator due to degraded rubber gaskets, which allowed air to enter the fuel system and resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during takeoff.
NTSB Identification: CEN16LA296
This July 2016 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I had so much problems with my gascolator leaking in my C-150. Even after it was overhauled it still leaked and I had to purchase a new Very Expensive needle which holds the O-ring. Well it started leaking again and it turns out that these units are prone to leaking. I purchased an after market gascolator that I saw was used on new Carbon Cubs and it was stc’ed for a C-150. These gold unit made by Steves Aircraft are FAA-approved gascolators are CNC-machined out of 6061 aluminum for longer use and feature anodized “O” ring seals for improved sealing capabilities and a bayonet tab locked bowl system. No more wire bales popping out of the cover or stripped thumb wheels or screws. Direct replacement for factory parts. FAA-approved for many Piper, American Champion, Husky, Maule, Taylorcraft, Dynac and Cessna aircraft. THEY ALSO COST ABOUT THE SAME AS I PAID JUST THE THE CESSNA NEEDLE ALONE…………I NOW HAVE A WARM FUZZY FEELING………..
Again, more ‘stupid pilot tricks’. Fire the mechanic that is doing the annual inspection, especially if it’s the pilot/owner.
This problem should have been looked into when the engine first would not start and run without the boost pump. It could have been an incorrect idle mixture setting, vs the leaking gascolator.
A 50 hr oil change could have uncovered this problem, before the aircraft was wrecked.