Incident Details

Pilot had been having trouble keeping carburetor tuned and recently spent time adjusting it. During morning flight, engine bogged at full throttle during initial takeoff attempt (though run-up was OK). Pilot stopped and leaned out high-speed screw by more than 1/8 turn thinking mixture was too rich. After successful takeoff, while cruising about 50 feet above the desert flying into the wind, experienced sudden complete engine failure. Made safe landing in rough rocky terrain without incident. Post-flight inspection revealed primer bulb valve had been left open, and the over-leaning of mixture caused partial engine seizure.

Preflight error - pilot left primer bulb valve open. Combined with over-adjustment of carburetor high-speed screw (leaning mixture too much), this caused partial engine seizure and complete engine failure.

Age 44, weight 205 lbs

Engine Out PPG Type: Type of Injury: Pilot Details Age: 44 Weight: 205 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level: Gear Details Wing Brand: Model: Size: Paramotor Frame: with Incident Details December 4, 2008 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident: Had been having trouble keeping carb tuned and had recently spent time adjusting it. Came out for a morning flight and began normal foot launch but engine bogged at full throttle (initial run-up was OK). I stopped and thought that somehow it was too rich so I leaned out my high speed screw a bit more than an 8th turn.After that I did normal takeoff and while cruising about 50 feet above the desert I had a sudden engine out. I was flying into the wind and made a safe landing without incident into rough rocky terrain. Upon inspection I realized that I had left the primer bulb valve open.I leaned out my motor too much and partially seized my engine. My lessons learned are: 1. Attention to detail is important, don't get in a hurry. 2. Always fly thinking "what if my engine quit here"? 3. When the motor is not running quite right, don't fly so far away from your car.