Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-14 near Chickaloon, AK — 2021-09-23

Final reportANC21LA096
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Date
2021-09-23
Location
Chickaloon, AK, USA
Airport
AK59
Aircraft
PIPER PA-14
Registration
N4276H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The accident flight was the first flight after the airplane’s annual inspection. The pilots completed a “thorough” preflight inspection, and an engine run-up revealed no anomalies. Just after the airplane became airborne during takeoff, the engine lost power, regained power momentarily, and then lost power again. Insufficient runway remained on which to land, and the airplane impacted an area of tree- and brush-covered terrain off the end of the runway and nosed over. Examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any anomalies that would have resulted in a loss of engine power. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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