Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Santee, CA — 2015-09-03

Final reportWPR15FA256
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Date
2015-09-03
Location
Santee, CA, USA
Airport
SEE
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N8441B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilots' failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the right magneto.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the right magneto.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and student pilot were conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. While on the upwind leg of the traffic pattern following the second takeoff, the airplane entered a steep left turn and impacted a residential area; a postimpact fire ensued. One witness reported that he heard the airplane's engine "shut off," and stated that it sounded as though the engine was "trying to restart." Investigators could not determine who was manipulating the flight controls at the time of the accident. Examination of the airframe and flight controls revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine examination revealed no internal mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The left magneto was not located. A teardown of the right magneto revealed that the internal components had been improperly assembled; the distributor gear electrode was not seated properly, and the distributor drive gear was stuck inside the magneto. Given the improper assembly of the right magneto it is likely that the magneto had failed to operate properly, which subsequently resulted in a rough running engine and a partial loss of engine power. It is likely that the flight instructor and student were distracted by the partial loss of engine power, and during the turn toward the open field, lost aircraft control and stalled the airplane, and subsequently hit flat terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have aborted the takeoff after the left wing dipped.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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