Pilot Debrief

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1B near Durham, CA — 2012-09-08

Final reportWPR12LA406
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Date
2012-09-08
Location
Durham, CA, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1B
Registration
N395AA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, shortly after taking off for the personal flight, he heard a "pop" sound emanate from the engine, followed by a loss of engine power and subsequent loss of lift. The pilot maintained level forward flight until the airplane impacted an orchard. A postimpact fire ensued, and the airplane was partially consumed. The remainder of the airplane and the engine sustained thermal damage. An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after hearing the 'pop' sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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