Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28R near McKinney, TX — 2021-04-18

Final reportCEN21LA193
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Date
2021-04-18
Location
McKinney, TX, USA
Airport
TKI
Aircraft
PIPER PA28R
Registration
N2973R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The student was turning from base to final in the airport traffic pattern when the engine lost total power. The student transferred control of the airplane to the instructor; the airplane sustained substantial damage during the subsequent forced landing to an open field. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies. The fuel selector handle was found near one of the two OFF detent positions; however, the position of the fuel selector at the time of the loss of power could not be determined. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have checked fuel selector before attempting to restore engine power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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