Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA12 near Spearfish, SD — 2020-12-08

Final reportCEN21LA082
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Date
2020-12-08
Location
Spearfish, SD, USA
Airport
SPF
Aircraft
PIPER PA12
Registration
N2554M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Before departing on the first flight after completion of the annual inspection, the pilot selected the right wing fuel tank, which was the fuller tank, performed an engine runup, and then initiated takeoff. The pilot said that the airplane climbed to about 70 ft above the runway, lost engine power for a few seconds, regained power briefly, then lost total power. The airplane landed hard on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. A postacccident engine run revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Fuel selector was turned OFF before pilot's arrival, leading to power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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