Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P337H near Kona, HI — 2023-02-14

Final reportANC23LA023
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Date
2023-02-14
Location
Kona, HI, USA
Airport
KOA
Aircraft
CESSNA P337H
Registration
N5KR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to recognize that the rear engine was not operating during takeoff, which resulted in an attempted single-engine takeoff and the airplane’s subsequent descent and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was a loss of rear engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was a loss of rear engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection and engine run-up, he noted no anomalies with the airplane. Then, on departure, the airplane lost partial power. The pilot performed an emergency landing to the runway overrun area with the landing gear retracted, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engines revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. During the examination the rear engine started normally, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption. Review of recorded engine monitoring data revealed that the rear engine lost total engine power during the engine run-up. Although the reason for the rear engine’s total loss of power during the engine run-up could not be determined, the pilot should have recognized that the rear engine was not operating during the takeoff roll and aborted the takeoff. Placards on the instrument panel and the owner’s manual stated, “Do not initiate single engine take-off,” The continuation of the takeoff in this condition resulted in the airplane’s inability to climb and its subsequent descent and impact with terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have aborted takeoff when performance decreased after gear retraction.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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