Pilot Debrief

MERRITT LESLIE R KELLY D near Brandon, MS — 2012-12-09

Final reportERA13LA084
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Date
2012-12-09
Location
Brandon, MS, USA
Airport
6MS1
Aircraft
MERRITT LESLIE R KELLY D
Registration
N5172S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and student pilot were preparing to take off to the west. Following a normal magneto and carburetor heat check, the student took the controls for the takeoff. Shortly after liftoff, the engine suddenly lost all power. The flight instructor took the controls and maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing. The airplane struck trees and sustained substantial airframe damage. A wreckage examination found no evidence of a pre-existing mechanical malfunction or failure, and there was adequate fuel on board for the flight. Although there were some small flakes of sealant in the fuel tanks, no obstructions were found. A review of meteorological data revealed that the airplane was being operated in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power but not at takeoff power. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Performing additional checks before takeoff could have identified potential issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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