Pilot Debrief

Piper PA32 near Roanoke, TX — 2018-09-08

Final reportCEN18LA377
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Date
2018-09-08
Location
Roanoke, TX, USA
Airport
52F
Aircraft
Piper PA32
Registration
N33354
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot and five passengers departed on a personal night cross-country flight. According to the pilot, the engine start and run-up were uneventful. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost total power, and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He conducted a forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. An engine examination revealed that the upper right spark plugs were in a worn-out normal condition and the lower spark plugs were in a worn-out severe condition. The lower spark plugs were replaced, and a test engine run was conducted; the engine started and ran without hesitation at various power settings. However, it was noted during the test that the engine would not run on the right magneto. Further examination of the right magneto found a failed magneto coil. Despite the failed coil on the right magneto and the spark plug condition, the engine ran at full power settings. No other anomalies were noted with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation. A failed magneto or the noted spark plug conditions would have resulted in a rough-running engine but not a complete loss of engine power as the pilot described. Thus, the reason for the total loss of power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine failure indication.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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