Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 18-150 near Jasper, TX — 2016-10-15

Final reportCEN17LA018
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Date
2016-10-15
Location
Jasper, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 18-150
Registration
N9473D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because an examination of the airplane did not identify a specific reason for the loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot departed on a local flight. Upon climbing to 1,000 ft, the engine experienced a partial loss of power and started to "miss." The pilot switched fuel tanks and "pumped" the throttle, but the engine did not respond. Unable to maintain altitude, he selected an area for the forced landing. The airplane came to rest wing down and nose low among several trees. Fuel was found at the accident site. The airplane was later recovered and examined at a salvage facility. The examination noted several maintenance discrepancies; the wood under the battery box located in the aft section of the airplane appeared rotted, the engine muffler exhibited significant corrosion; 2 of the 4 cylinders' exhaust and intake valve/rocker arms were improperly assembled; and both wing fuel tank gas caps were an aftermarket, non-vented type. A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that 1.49 hours had accumulated since the last annual inspection, and 46.36 hours had accumulated since an engine top overhaul. None of these discrepancies were noted in the inspection or overhaul logbook entries; however, none would have accounted for the loss of engine power. A review of the temperature and dew point at the departure airport indicated that the airplane was operating in an environment conducive to the risk of carburetor ice formation at glide and cruise power settings; however, the airplane was climbing when the engine lost power, so the formation of carburetor ice was unlikely. Despite the maintenance discrepancies, the investigation could not identify a specific abnormality that accounted for the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for carburetor icing before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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