Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-151 near Annapolis, MD — 2022-12-26

Final reportERA23LA093
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Date
2022-12-26
Location
Annapolis, MD, USA
Airport
ANP
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-151
Registration
N1867H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A reported partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot performed a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up before departing and everything was normal. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed a drop in airspeed and the airplane was losing altitude. Though he did not hear any unusual noises or vibrations, he figured the engine lost power and made a forced landing to a partially frozen creek, where the airplane sank. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Weather conditions as the time of the accident were not conducive to carburetor icing. 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 aborted takeoff upon noticing airspeed decrease.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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