PIPER PA-32RT-300T near Palakta, FL — 2008-08-03
- Date
- 2008-08-03
- Location
- Palakta, FL, USA
- Airport
- 28J
- Aircraft
- PIPER PA-32RT-300T
- Registration
- N39758
- Category
- Airplane
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Initial climb
Probable cause
The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB narrative
The airplane struck trees shortly after takeoff during an early morning departure. The flight was the second leg of a trip which had begun the previous day, but then was delayed when a passenger required medical care. The pilot reported that the takeoff roll "seemed a little long," and that the engine began losing power immediately after becoming airborne. The airplane was not able to maintain altitude, and subsequently struck a tree, impacted the ground, and caught fire. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane via the rear door. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal evidence of any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies that would have prevented a successful takeoff. However, the cockpit area was destroyed, and the engine control friction lock tension could not be determined.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Human factors
- First missed decision gate
- Pilot could have assessed fatigue and chosen not to fly after a short nap.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- Photos
- 9 docket documents
Docket documents9
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
- Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
- Memorandum of Record - Phone Interview with Pilotinterview
- Memorandum of Record - Witness interviewinterview
- Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation [Lycoming]interview
- Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation [Piper]interview
- Engine Exam [Excerpt]other
- St. Augustine Weatherother
- Airplane As It Came To Rest (Photo Courtesy of the FAA)photos
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