Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-23-250 near Tyonek, AK — 2013-03-14

Final reportANC13LA033
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Date
2013-03-14
Location
Tyonek, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-23-250
Registration
N6008Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power of both engines for reasons that could not be determined because the engines were not made available for examination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while in level cruise flight, he attempted to fly through a snow squall, and both engines began to run rough, followed by a total loss of engine power. After both engines lost power, he switched fuel tanks, opened the alternate engine air doors, turned on the auxiliary fuel pumps, and the left engine restarted. While making a turn toward the nearest airport, the left engine failed again, and he selected a clearing in the trees as a forced landing site. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage to wings and fuselage. The engines were not made available and were not examined, thus no determination was made as to why the engines lost power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying through the snow squall.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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