Pilot Debrief

BEECH A36 near Gonzales, LA — 2017-08-17

Final reportCEN17LA328
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Date
2017-08-17
Location
Gonzales, LA, USA
Airport
REG
Aircraft
BEECH A36
Registration
N48TZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to inadequate maintenance, including worn spark plugs and a leaking fuel hose fitting.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb on an instructional flight, the private pilot and instructor noticed a partial loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a hay field and the airplane nosed over. Following the accident, the mechanic who normally performed maintenance removed and discarded all twelve spark plugs, as several were worn. A subsequent examination and test run of the engine revealed a leaking fuel hose due to a loose B-nut. The loss of engine power was consistent with an inadequate fuel supply due to a fuel line leak. Further, it is likely that the worn spark plugs would also have contributed to the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff upon noticing the lack of climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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