Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 414 near Maryland Heights, MO — 2014-06-26

Final reportCEN14LA324
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Date
2014-06-26
Location
Maryland Heights, MO, USA
Airport
1H0
Aircraft
CESSNA 414
Registration
N1552T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The loss of left engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to impact and fire damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the twin-engine airplane's left front baggage door opened. He attempted to return to the airport, but the left engine lost engine power while the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The airplane subsequently impacted power lines and terrain. An explosion occurred during the impact sequence, and a fire ensued that almost completely consumed the airframe. Teardown examination of the right engine revealed no anomalies. A test run of the left engine revealed no anomalies; however, due to impact and fire damage, it was not possible to fully test or examine the left engine's fuel system. The reason for the left engine's loss of power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing approach after the left engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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