Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10.9; Flight Crew Total 381; Flight Crew Type 8
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Departed runway and climbed to 500 feet at approximately 5 miles south the engine began to lose power. Checked throttle and power returned to normal approximately 2;300 rpm. 10-15 seconds later began to lose power again and I applied carb heat and rpms returned. 10-15 sec later the engine again began to lose power. I checked throttle; carb heat; fuel valve and mags. The engine began to surge losing rpms with each cycle. I continued to head south with good fields below if off airport landing was required. I began to lose altitude and was about to commit to an off airport landing when an airport came into view. Having a hand held radio and not having time to look up the temporary Tower frequency and now at an altitude of 350 feet AGL and descending I continued on a straight in approach and landed without contacting the Tower. Immediately after landing I did contact the tower by phone. Tower personnel understood nature of the Emergency approach and landing and had no issue with the event. The engine was rebuilt in 2004 and stored for 10 years prior to installation on subject aircraft. Twice in the approximately 27 hours of flying in the past two weeks the carburetor and fuel screens were checked and found clean or very little material. On disassembly of carburetor; contamination was found behind the carburetor screen and throughout the carburetor.
Light aircraft pilot reports loosing power at 500 feet shortly after takeoff. All efforts at restoring full power are unsuccessful and the reporter is able limp into an airport along his route of flight. Contaminates in the fuel are found to be clogging the fuel strainer.