Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-38-112 near Byron, CA — 2013-03-16

Final reportWPR13LA171
Sign in to save
Date
2013-03-16
Location
Byron, CA, USA
Airport
C83
Aircraft
PIPER PA-38-112
Registration
N99DM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff, the airplane's engine began to sputter, and it subsequently lost total power. The pilot made a forced landing in a grass field, and, during the landing roll, the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. Postaccident examination revealed that fuel was present in both wing tanks, and no evidence of fuel contamination was found. An attempt to run the engine was unsuccessful because of discrepancies with the airplane's electrical system, gascolator, and the engine's starter. However, none of these discrepancies would have resulted in a loss of engine power. The cause of the engine failure could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system integrity before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

Related mishaps