Pilot Debrief

QUAD CITY CHALLENGER near Doniphan, MO — 2023-05-28

Final reportCEN23LA221
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Date
2023-05-28
Location
Doniphan, MO, USA
Aircraft
QUAD CITY CHALLENGER
Registration
N265JW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the flight he attempted to increase engine power to climb over a densely wooded hillside; however, the engine did not respond. Unable to clear the hill, he decided to execute a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing rollout, the airplane struck a fence. The pilot noted that the engine did not stop running during the flight, but that he was unable to increase engine power. Postaccident engine examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation and the engine was started and ran at idle speed with no anomalies noted. The pilot speculated that some type of fuel flow restriction had resulted in the partial loss of engine power. Weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing at glide power. However, the engine was equipped with a slide-type carburetor which, due to their design, are generally not susceptible to icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured proper fuel quality before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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