Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-25-235 near Jasper, MO — 2012-09-06

Final reportCEN12LA622
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Date
2012-09-06
Location
Jasper, MO, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-25-235
Registration
N7655Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to separation of a carburetor air box support bracket and subsequent airflow obstruction to the carburetor.

NTSB narrative

During an aerial application flight, the engine started to lose power. The pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing to a field. During the precautionary landing, he observed a fence and berm ahead and added power to go over the fence; however, the engine lost all power. During the forced landing, the airplane hit the fence. The postaccident engine examination revealed that a support bracket in the carburetor air box separated and entered the carburetor. The separated piece blocked the venturi and obstructed the airflow within the engine, resulting in the subsequent loss of engine power. An examination of the remaining engine and airframe systems revealed no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed a landing before engine lost all power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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