Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T337G near Homestead, FL — 2013-02-24

Final reportERA13LA143
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Date
2013-02-24
Location
Homestead, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA T337G
Registration
N8594M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The reported partial loss of engine power from the rear engine for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was fueled before departure, and after fueling, the pilot reported that he checked the fuel tanks and fuel strainers and no contaminants were found. The facility that fueled the airplane reported no complaints or discrepancies related to the quality of fuel. The pilot departed and flew south along the coast at 900 feet above ground level when the rear engine suddenly lost power. The pilot was able to restart the rear engine, which regained only partial power, but not before losing 500 feet of altitude. Because of the low altitude, he did not want to troubleshoot the rear engine any further and opted to ditch the airplane with the landing gear extended. After touchdown, the airplane nosed over and all occupants exited the airplane and were rescued. The pilot further reported there was no issue related to the front engine. Following recovery of the airplane, rear engine spark plugs tested satisfactorily. An alternate fuel supply was plumbed into the right wing root, and, after water and contaminants were removed from the internal portion of the rear engine, it was started but found to be only operating on the left magneto. The right magneto was replaced, and the engine was restarted and operated satisfactorily. A feather check of the rear propeller was performed during the engine run and no issues were noted. The right magneto likely did not operate during the postaccident engine run because of internal moisture and corrosion due to salt water submersion. After cleaning the magneto, only the condenser tested outside its limits, most likely due to internal moisture. The magneto was placed on a test bench and it operated normally. Postaccident testing of the rear engine did not reveal the reason for the reported loss of power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed engine troubleshooting before losing altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents19

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