Pilot Debrief

CESSNA O 1E near Fredericksburg, TX — 2014-04-16

Final reportCEN14LA200
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Date
2014-04-16
Location
Fredericksburg, TX, USA
Airport
TS36
Aircraft
CESSNA O 1E
Registration
N50WP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that he was providing instruction to a pilot in the tandem-seat airplane. He reported that, immediately after the pilot receiving instruction turned the airplane from the downwind to the base leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power. He took control of the airplane and called for the magnetos and boost pump to be turned on as he switched fuel tanks. He was unable to find a suitable landing area, so he attempted a landing to a small field. During the landing and while he was attempting to avoid a tree at the end of the field, the airplane struck a cattle pen. Examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked magneto switch before flight to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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