Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 32R-301T near Stephenville, TX — 2015-03-27

Final reportCEN15LA206
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Date
2015-03-27
Location
Stephenville, TX, USA
Airport
SEP
Aircraft
PIPER PA 32R-301T
Registration
N9284
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons, which necessitated a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted trees and a power line.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the engine "surged" several times, followed by the engine losing partial power. The pilot realized that the airplane did not have sufficient altitude to return to the departure airport, so he maneuvered it to land straight ahead on a roadway. During the descent, the airplane impacted trees and a power line. The airplane then impacted the ground adjacent to the roadway and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airframe and fuel system did not reveal evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the propeller assembly showed blade damage consistent with some degree of rotation at impact; however, the amount of power to the propeller could not be determined. Examination of the engine and accessories found no anomalies except that, when the left magneto was rotated, the impulse couplings made a snapping sound, but no spark occurred at the terminal outlet points. The magneto anomaly could have resulted in a rough-running engine and/or a nominal loss of rpms, but its total effect on engine performance could not be determined; therefore, the reason for the loss of partial engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon engine power loss indication.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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