Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AIRCRAFT ENG CORP G-111 near Ft Pierce, FL — 2009-11-05

Final reportERA10LA050
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Date
2009-11-05
Location
Ft Pierce, FL, USA
Airport
FPR
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AIRCRAFT ENG CORP G-111
Registration
N120FB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of left engine power and subsequent failure of the airplane to maintain airspeed and altitude on the remaining engine for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during the landing gear retraction he heard a loud bang, followed by three to four smaller bangs. The first officer confirmed that the left engine was the affected engine and immediately began feathering the propeller. Once the propeller had been feathered, the captain confirmed the action by looking outside and noticing the propeller in the feathered position. The captain further reported that the right engine was producing the maximum power available and was indicating 55 inches of manifold pressure. Unable to achieve airspeed of greater than 95 to 96 knots indicated, the captain attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing; however, he was unable to maintain altitude and attempted to land on an airport perimeter road, impacting the airport fence and a sand berm in the process. A cursory examination of the engine and system components revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
The decision to continue the takeoff after engine anomalies were noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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