Pilot Debrief

SOFTEX INVEST LLC V-24L near Paradise, MT — 2017-01-03

Final reportWPR17LA046
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Date
2017-01-03
Location
Paradise, MT, USA
Aircraft
SOFTEX INVEST LLC V-24L
Registration
N710XP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A partial loss of power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engines did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that, about 30 minutes after departure for the cross-country personal flight in visual conditions, he noticed a vibration. He checked the engine instruments and did not see anything abnormal. However, he noted that the airplane's airspeed and altitude were rapidly decreasing, so he applied full power to both engines, but the airplane continued to descend, indicative of a partial loss of engine power, so he chose to conduct a forced, off-airport landing in a field. The airplane impacted terrain and then came to rest after impacting a ditch. Postaccident examinations of the airframe and engines revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the vibration and the subsequent partial loss of power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a precautionary landing before engine issues escalated.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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