Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22 near Friday Harbor, WA — 2011-12-13

Final reportWPR12LA064
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Date
2011-12-13
Location
Friday Harbor, WA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22
Registration
N1810P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that about 3 to 4 minutes after takeoff, the engine lost power with no indication of engine roughness. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot made a forced landing in a field, and the airplane collided with a pole. After the accident, and prior to notification to authorities, the pilot checked the fuel system for water and found none. He then started the engine without difficulty and taxied to a secure area. A local reporting station recorded the temperature and dew point as 2 degrees Celsius and -2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Although the reported weather conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise power, the engine was operating at a high power setting for takeoff, indicating that carburetor ice was likely not the reason for the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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