Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Lakewood, NJ — 2012-06-29

Final reportERA12LA425
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Date
2012-06-29
Location
Lakewood, NJ, USA
Airport
N12
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N449FL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during climb for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine and engine systems or during postaccident operational testing of the engine.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the first two takeoffs were normal. However, during the initial climb after the third takeoff, the pilot observed a loss of engine performance and the airplane would not maintain the proper climb speed. Unable to continue the climb, the pilot set up for a forced landing beyond the departure end of the runway. After touchdown, the airplane struck trees and a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed lower than normal compression on the number 2 cylinder when the engine was cold; however, compression on all cylinders was normal after the engine was allowed to warm up. The engine was test run and no anomalies were noted.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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