Pilot Debrief

Piper PA24 near Bryan, TX — 2020-08-30

Final reportCEN20LA370
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Date
2020-08-30
Location
Bryan, TX, USA
Airport
CFD
Aircraft
Piper PA24
Registration
N7469P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power on takeoff due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was taking three passengers for a local sightseeing flight. A security video at the airport showed the airplane took off from runway 15. There were no video recordings of or witnesses to the accident. The airplane wreckage was located on a flat grass field off of the departure end of runway 15 on airport property and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage. An onsite examination of the airframe found the fuel tank selector handle in the right main position. The right main fuel cell was not damaged and did not contain fuel; however, fuel was likely available in the other three fuel tanks. Rotational signatures on the propeller were consistent with it not being driven at the time of impact. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicology testing showed that the pilot had used the allergy medication cetirizine. Cetirizine may sometimes cause drowsiness, but whether cetirizine effects contributed to the accident could not be determined. Based upon the available evidence, the lack of damage to the propeller is consistent with a loss of engine power and it is likely that the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. The reason for the loss of engine power was likely due to fuel starvation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not visually check fuel levels during preflight inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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