Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Taylor, AZ — 2009-07-06

Final reportWPR09LA327
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Date
2009-07-06
Location
Taylor, AZ, USA
Airport
TYL
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N5957U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after conducting a short field takeoff, "the aircraft was not getting enough lift from the engine." He observed power lines ahead and to the left and right of his position as he realized the airplane was not holding altitude. The pilot stated that "the engine was not producing enough power and there was a little sputtering." He initiated an off-airport landing in an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a bush, which resulted in structural damage to the right wing. Examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was run uneventfully at various power settings for about two minutes before it was shut off using the mixture control lever.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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