Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Pensacola, FL — 2012-07-11

Final reportERA12LA442
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Date
2012-07-11
Location
Pensacola, FL, USA
Airport
82J
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N6258J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

During initial climb, as the airplane crossed over a tree line at the end of the runway, both pilots noticed that the engine was producing only partial power. The pilots attempted to return to the departure runway operating on partial engine power; however, the engine sputtered and lost more power. The airplane impacted a swamp before it reached the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed that adequate fuel remained in both wing fuel tanks. Additionally, examination of the engine and its accessories did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Comparison of the recorded temperature and dew point to a carburetor icing chart revealed no susceptibility to carburetor ice at the time of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilots could have aborted the takeoff upon noticing poor climb performance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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