Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-150 near Cashmere, WA — 2021-05-31

Final reportWPR21LA213
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Date
2021-05-31
Location
Cashmere, WA, USA
Airport
8S2
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-150
Registration
N7159B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot purchased the airplane about 1 month before the accident. It had not undergone recent maintenance before the purchase, and the pilot hired a mechanic to perform an annual inspection. The pilot stated that the right-wing fuel tank contained about 12 gallons of fuel and the left fuel tank was empty. He positioned the fuel selector to the right tank. During the initial climb, when the airplane reached about 250 to 300 ft above ground level, the engine power smoothly reduced to idle. The pilot lowered the airplane’s nose, and engine power temporarily increased for several seconds before the engine then lost total power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing in a marshy area, where it came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel system was intact, and the tanks were not breached. Removal of the fuel line at the carburetor revealed no fuel in the system. A visual inspection of both wing tanks revealed that they both appeared empty. When manipulating the right wing, about one-half cup of fuel drained from the sump. Removal of the right fuel cap revealed that the rubber seal was intact and the two vent holes were clear. The fuel cap filler area had a cork gasket that was not secured, and it could not be determined whether the cap was able to properly seal. Although postaccident examination revealed only trace amounts of fuel in the fuel system, the amount of fuel onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined. The examination was limited in scope because the engine was unavailable for a complete examination. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel levels before takeoff to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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