Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Somerville, NJ — 2024-09-04

Final reportERA24LA369
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Date
2024-09-04
Location
Somerville, NJ, USA
Airport
SMQ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N512AF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to an undetermined fuel delivery issue.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that they observed a group of deer on the runway while landing. They initiated a go-around; during the climb-out, the engine lost power. The instructor took over control of the airplane and maneuvered back toward the airport to land on a grass runway. Unable to maintain altitude, the airplane collided with trees. Maintenance records documented two previous reports that included low oil pressure, a rough-running engine at idle power, and momentary engine roughness in flight, which could not be replicated during maintenance troubleshooting. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed the fuel system was intact, with no contamination or obstructions, and the engine controls were found properly positioned and unrestricted. During a test run of the engine, an intermittent loss of power was observed when the electric fuel boost pump was off, suggesting a potential fuel delivery issue. A subsequent bench test of the engine-driven fuel pump revealed that it operated normally. A teardown examination of the engine’s fuel servo revealed that it exhibited evidence of fuel contamination, possibly related to a previous flooding condition, though the source of the contamination could not be precisely determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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