Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170B near Durham, NC — 2009-11-25

Final reportERA10LA077
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Date
2009-11-25
Location
Durham, NC, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 170B
Registration
N2758D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power in flight and a fire in the engine compartment for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure the airplane’s engine began to run rough. The pilot attempted unsuccessfully to troubleshoot the problem before initiating a return to the departure airport. During the return, the pilot noticed smoke coming from the right side of the engine that got progressively worse before the engine lost total power. After realizing that he would not be able to make it to the airport, the pilot performed a forced landing in a pasture where the airplane was completely consumed by the postcrash fire with the exception of the tail section. The extensive fire damage to the engine and forward part of the airframe precluded determination of the fire’s ignition source.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to NC81 sooner after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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