Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Modesto, CA — 2019-09-28

Final reportWPR19LA267
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Date
2019-09-28
Location
Modesto, CA, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N8353T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when, about 20 minutes from the destination airport, the engine lost partial power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, turned on the fuel pump and carburetor heat, and reduced engine power. The engine subsequently lost total power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a highway. During landing, the right wing impacted a light pole and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. A postimpact fire ensued and consumed a majority of the airplane. Both fuel tanks were breached and thermally damaged. The fuel selector was not located. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. Compression was obtained on each cylinder when the engine was rotated by hand at the crankshaft. The carburetor was intact and free of debris. The electric fuel pump was operational. The single-drive magneto was impact damaged, but produced spark at each of the 12 leads. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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