Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near New Bern, NC — 2008-12-12

Final reportERA09LA096
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Date
2008-12-12
Location
New Bern, NC, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N38558
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After last flying the airplane about 3 weeks prior, and servicing the airplane with fuel about 2 weeks prior, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and an extended run-up of the engine, noting no problems. During the takeoff, about 100 feet above the ground, the engine suddenly and completely lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane struck a ditch and was substantially damaged. Attempts to test run the engine after the accident were all unsuccessful, despite the fact that no mechanical anomalies of the engine were noted during a visual inspection of the engine. A review of aircraft maintenance records revealed that the airplane had flown less than 10 hours since the last annual inspection, about 11 months prior, and the engine had never been overhauled in the 31 years since it was produced.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance more thoroughly before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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