Pilot Debrief

Piper PA32R near Bonham, TX — 2020-09-07

Final reportCEN20LA384
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Date
2020-09-07
Location
Bonham, TX, USA
Airport
F00
Aircraft
Piper PA32R
Registration
N3576X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to a disconnected fuel injector line that was not properly tightened during recent maintenance.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he and a passenger departed on a personal flight. The airplane was on its first flight after maintenance work, which included the replacement of the engine exhaust. Shortly after departure, the pilot noted high turbine inlet and cylinder head temperatures. The pilot tried to return to the airport; however, about 2 miles short of the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. During the forced landing the landing gear collapsed in the soft terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. An engine examination found that the No. 6 cylinder fuel injector line was not connected. It was also noted that initially the turbocharge was not free to rotate, but once freed it rotated without resistance. The accident is consistent with a loss of engine power due to a fuel injector line not being connected. This is likely due to maintenance personnel not adequately tightening the No. 6 cylinder fuel injector line during the recent maintenance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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