Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 152 near Venice, FL — 2011-12-09

Final reportERA12LA106
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Date
2011-12-09
Location
Venice, FL, USA
Airport
VNC
Aircraft
CESSNA 152
Registration
N471TC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination and testing did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to practice flight maneuvers for an upcoming checkride. Prior to takeoff, the pilot fueled the airplane and performed a preflight inspection with no anomalies noted. After practicing the flight maneuvers, the pilot flew the airplane back to the airport in order to practice touch-and-go landings. During the takeoff portion of the first touch-and-go maneuver, the engine lost power about 100 to 150 feet above ground level. The pilot initiated a left turn to land in a nearby field, but he realized that the airplane was too low so he performed a forced landing between hangars; the airplane collided with powerlines and a building. A postaccident examination revealed adequate fuel on board. An engine test run was performed and the engine operated satisfactorily with no anomalies noted. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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