Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32 near Windermere, FL — 2016-07-08

Final reportERA16LA250
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Date
2016-07-08
Location
Windermere, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA32
Registration
N1495J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting his third flight of the day when, during climb about 10 minutes after takeoff, the engine lost partial power, regained power, then lost all power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and ditched the airplane in a lake. Postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The left main fuel tank was breached and absent of fuel. The left wingtip fuel tank was separated from the wing and was not recovered. However, adequate fuel remained in the airplane. Recovery personnel noted that the right wingtip fuel tank contained water and its drain was found locked in the open position, whereas the right main fuel tank remained intact and contained about 25 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector was found positioned between the right main fuel tank and the right wingtip fuel tank. The pilot reported that he flew a previous flight with the fuel selector positioned to the right wingtip fuel tank but switched it to the left wingtip fuel tank before departing on the accident flight. The investigation could not determine if the drain for the right wingtip fuel tank was locked open before or during impact, nor could it determine the position of the fuel selector when engine power was lost.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before takeoff to ensure adequate fuel supply.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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