Pilot Debrief

BEECH A24R near Muskegon, MI — 2010-07-25

Final reportCEN10LA432
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Date
2010-07-25
Location
Muskegon, MI, USA
Airport
MKG
Aircraft
BEECH A24R
Registration
N24584
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he flew three flight legs before the accident flight. After the third flight leg the airplane was refueled with 42.4 gallons of fuel. He performed a preflight that included checking the fuel for contamination and none was evident. The taxi and pretakeoff engine run-up were normal. The airplane was about 200 feet in the air when the engine started running rough and backfiring. He performed the emergency checklist procedures for engine failure after liftoff by switching fuel tanks and adjusting the mixture, but was not able to successfully address the engine problems. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude so he executed a forced landing to a wooded area less than a mile from the airport. The airplane struck trees and terrain during the forced landing. Much of the airplane structure was consumed by the postimpact fire. The postaccident inspection of the engine and fuel system revealed no preexisting anomalies that would preclude normal engine operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have attempted to return to the airport after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents24

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