Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Oroville, CA — 2009-09-04

Final reportWPR09LA431
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Date
2009-09-04
Location
Oroville, CA, USA
Airport
OVE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N2482R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during initial climb he felt three "bumps" in the airframe. The pilot then initiated a left 180-degree turn towards the departure runway. He stated that the engine was running, but not producing power. As the descent continued, the engine began to "sputter" and lose power. Subsequently, the airplane struck two fences and landed hard. During the landing roll the airplane impacted a large ditch and came to rest upright, where a postcrash fire consumed the fuselage and right wing. Examination of the recovered airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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