CMP.WERNER@UTEXAS-20.ARPA (06/28/84)
From: Werner Uhrig <CMP.WERNER@UTEXAS-20.ARPA> [ excerpt from Safety Newsletter July 1984, FAA - San Antonio, Texas ] WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY THE MOUSE WILL PLAY: The Beech 19 had been parked outside for 7 months. It had only been run up once during that time but the pilot reported that on the day of the accident the engine had checked out satisfactorily. The aircraft was slow to accelerate during take-off but finally staggered into the air then struck a fence at the end of the strip and settled heavily into the adjacent field. When the engine was stripped down during the investigation a mouse nest was found in the flexible duct between the carb heat muff and air box. The nesting material had been drawn into the air box and restricted the airflow and plugged the fuel metering jet when full power was applied. The mouse nest COULDN'T POSSIBLY be detected during a pre-flight walk around. TRANSPONDER [ and why losing your logbook may cause troubles ] Are you aware that no person may use an ATC transponder unless within the last 24 calendar months that transponder has been tested and inspected ? Check your aircraft logbook before your next flight and don't turn on that transponder unless you meet the 24 month requirement. -------