Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28R-200 near Glens Falls, NY — 2021-11-19

Final reportERA22LA067
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Date
2021-11-19
Location
Glens Falls, NY, USA
Airport
GFL
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28R-200
Registration
N2305T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the preflight inspection, engine start, engine run-up and takeoff were all normal, and there was no indication of any problems with the engine. After liftoff, when the airplane was about 500 ft above the ground, the engine stopped producing power, but the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot lowered the nose and began a gradual turn back toward the runway. The airplane landed on the grass and struck the airport’s perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Data downloaded from the onboard engine monitor indicated a fluctuation in fuel flow prior to the loss of power. Postaccident examination of the fuel-injected engine and the airplane’s fuel system revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Therefore, the reason for the total loss of engine power was not determined.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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