Pilot Debrief

RYAN NAVION near Fresno, CA — 2014-08-10

Final reportWPR14LA337
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Date
2014-08-10
Location
Fresno, CA, USA
Airport
E79
Aircraft
RYAN NAVION
Registration
N4533K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while the airplane was on short final to the runway, he increased power to maintain the glideslope and then heard a muffled "bang or chug," followed by the engine sounding "as if it were drowning." The airplane started to descend, and the pilot executed an off-airport landing. During the landing sequence, the left wing impacted a fence. The airplane then crossed a median and came to rest against a second fence. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing earlier after hearing the engine noise.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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