Pilot Debrief

Ryan NAVION near Truckee, CA — 2018-07-17

Final reportWPR18FA198
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Date
2018-07-17
Location
Truckee, CA, USA
Airport
KTRK
Aircraft
Ryan NAVION
Registration
N5329K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the private pilot reported to the tower controller that the airplane had experienced a "power failure" and would be returning to the airport. A witness reported that he observed the airplane flying low and trying to make a sharp turn back toward the airport and that the engine seemed like it was sputtering. The airplane subsequently impacted the upsloping terrain hard, and came to an abrupt stop less than one mile southwest of the departure runway. All major components of the airplane were located at the accident site. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Although the carburetor diaphragms exhibited tearing/cracks, the fracture surfaces were consistent with impact damage. No other mechanical anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal engine operation, and the reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after experiencing power failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 16 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents16

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