Pilot Debrief

Piper J5A near Big Lake, AK — 2008-04-13

Final reportANC08LA052
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Date
2008-04-13
Location
Big Lake, AK, USA
Airport
BGQ
Aircraft
Piper J5A
Registration
N38149
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb for an undetermined reason.

NTSB narrative

The solo commercial pilot said the airplane lifted off the runway, climbed about 50 feet, and the engine quit. He said the airplane descended into trees at the end of the runway, sustaining structural damage to both wings, the tail, and fuselage. The pilot, who is a certificated aircraft mechanic, said the airplane had not flown in about a year, and that he had spent the day getting the airplane ready for the flight. He said that the airplane had fuel, and seemed to run fine on the ground. The pilot reported that he had moved the airplane around, raised the tail, and drained about 1-2 gallons of clear fuel from the airplane. He said he also preheated the engine for several hours prior to the accident flight. A detailed examination of the engine was not done, and the reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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