Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-31-325 near Duluth, MN — 2012-06-08

Final reportCEN12FAMS1
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Date
2012-06-08
Location
Duluth, MN, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-31-325
Registration
N174BH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

Undetermined because the airplane was not found.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport-rated pilot departed in the twin-engine airplane for a maintenance flight to break in a new engine. The flight was expected to last about 4 hours. Radar track data indicated that the airplane departed the airport and proceeded north following the western shoreline of a lake. While following the shoreline, the airplane descended from about 2,800 to 1,600 ft, which was its last recorded position. When the airplane did not return on time, it was reported missing, and an extensive search was conducted. However, the airplane and pilot were not found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine replacement.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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