Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-38-112 near Glendale, AZ — 2009-08-12

Final reportWPR09LA395
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Date
2009-08-12
Location
Glendale, AZ, USA
Airport
GEU
Aircraft
PIPER PA-38-112
Registration
N86GW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot/owner was on a solo instructional flight when the engine lost power during the upwind leg after takeoff. During the forced landing in a dirt field, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The airplane was examined by investigators following recovery. The engine was started and ran smoothly for 5 minutes at various power settings. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were noted with the examination of the recovered airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a thorough preflight inspection or maintenance check.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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