PIPER PA28R near Pembroke Pines, FL — 2017-07-12
- Date
- 2017-07-12
- Location
- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
- Aircraft
- PIPER PA28R
- Registration
- N55612
- Category
- Airplane
- Highest injury
- None
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Climb
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined postaccident engine test-runs revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB narrative
The flight instructor reported that, about 30 minutes into the local, instructional flight with a pilot receiving instruction onboard, the fuel selector was moved from the right tank position to the left tank position. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to run roughly and lose power. The fuel selector was then moved back to the right tank position, which restored engine power. The instructor then chose to return to the departure airport. About 2 minutes after switching the fuel selector to the right tank, the engine lost power again, and the instructor took control of the airplane and followed the emergency procedures, but his attempts to restore power were unsuccessful. The instructor conducted a forced landing to a levy, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage, and the right main landing gear collapsed. During postaccident examination of the right and left fuel tanks, no fuel contamination was found, and the tanks contained sufficient fuel. Test-runs of the engine with the fuel selector positioned to the left and right tank positions revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Fuel management
- First missed decision gate
- Properly managing fuel selector position during flight could have prevented power loss.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- Photos
- 6 docket documents
Docket documents6
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
- Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 and Evidence Control Formform
- FAA Inspector Statementinterview
- Statement from Flight Instructorinterview
- Statement from Private Pilot Undergoing Instructioninterview
- Investigative Photographsphotos
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