Piper PA-28-151 N56969

Summary

On 16 May 1998 at about 23:25 local time, a Piper PA-28-151 registered N56969 was involved in an accident near Princeton, New Jersey, United States. 4 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

16 May 1998 at 23:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Princeton, New Jersey, United States

Nearest airport

Princeton Airport (39N)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-151

Registration

N56969

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Princeton → Lincoln Park

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD98LA060

1 person had minor injuries.

A stuck carburetor float which restricted fuel flow to the engine that resulted in a loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated the engine lost partial power during climbout and he attempted to return to the airport. During the turn the engine lost all power, and he performed a forced landing to a field. The engine was examined under the supervision of an FAA Inspector. After two failed attempts to start the engine, a carburetor float was freed. The engine then ran to rated power. Examination of the carburetor revealed the carburetor flowed within operational limits. According to witnesses, the airplane departed with a 9 knot tailwind. The airplane's takeoff weight was estimated to be about 20 pounds over the maximum takeoff weight. The calculations did not include baggage no longer available to be weighed.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.