Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-46-350P near Greeley, CO — 2010-08-24

Final reportCEN10LA524
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Date
2010-08-24
Location
Greeley, CO, USA
Airport
KGXY
Aircraft
PIPER PA-46-350P
Registration
N4167A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot taxied the airplane to a self-service fueling facility where he added 84 gallons of fuel to the 20 gallons already in the tanks. He became distracted and forgot to replace the right fuel tank cap. He departed with the right fuel tank selected, and the auxiliary boost pump on. Approximately 100 feet above the runway, he retracted the landing gear and flaps and the engine lost power. He established a controlled glide back to the runway, but didn't have time to lower the landing gear. The airplane landed with the wheels-up and veered off the right side of the runway. A postaccident examination disclosed the pressure vessel had been compromised. The right fuel tank cap was later found on the taxiway. No fuel stains were noted on the wing. The engine was later functionally tested at various power settings, including full power, and no anomalies were noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot forgot to replace the right tank fuel cap before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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