Pilot Debrief

Piper PA22 near Blanch, NC — 2019-03-24

Final reportERA19LA135
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Date
2019-03-24
Location
Blanch, NC, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
Piper PA22
Registration
N1933P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot completed a 25-minute flight before a passenger boarded the airplane for the accident flight. After a normal takeoff, the engine lost all power during the initial climb. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the other tank. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot attempted to land in an open field to the left of the departure runway; the airplane landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure, and the exact quantity of fuel onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined due to impact damage. 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 selector position before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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