Pilot Debrief

GARRAMONE MIKE A VIXEN near Columbus, NM — 2014-07-17

Final reportCEN14LA373
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Date
2014-07-17
Location
Columbus, NM, USA
Airport
NM09
Aircraft
GARRAMONE MIKE A VIXEN
Registration
N153PR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
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 engine examination did not reveal any preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the engine began to run roughly for a few seconds and then smoothed out. After a few more seconds, the engine began to run roughly again before it completely lost power. The pilot noted that he was unable to troubleshoot the problem due to the low altitude at the time of the power loss. He executed a forced landing to a pasture. The ground was "extremely rough," and the nose landing gear collapsed during the landing. The airplane subsequently nosed over. The fuel tank was intact and contained fuel. A postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted more thorough preflight checks for engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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