Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-16 near Juneau, AK — 2013-05-19

Final reportANC13LA048
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Date
2013-05-19
Location
Juneau, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-16
Registration
N5372H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to the inability to recover the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the start, taxi, and before-takeoff checks were all normal. However, just after takeoff, as the airplane climbed through about 350 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly lost all power. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot turned back toward the beach and ditched the airplane in the ocean. The airplane sank in about 400 feet of water and was not recovered; therefore, it was presumed to be substantially damaged.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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