Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170B near Bettles, AK — 2015-04-13

Final reportANC15LA020
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Date
2015-04-13
Location
Bettles, AK, USA
Airport
BTT
Aircraft
CESSNA 170B
Registration
N4697C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examination and testing revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff for the personal flight, when the airplane was between about 50 and 70 ft above ground level, a total loss of engine power occurred. After completing the engine failure emergency procedures checklist, the pilot lowered the airplane's nose and attempted to find a suitable landing area. When he determined that the airplane would not be able to reach the desired landing point, he arrested the descent, and the airplane settled into an area of densely populated birch trees along the side of a river. A postaccident examination of the airplane's systems and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. The engine was test run, and it operated through a full range of power settings with no anomalies noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel tanks for contamination before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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