Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Justin, TX — 2021-06-04

Final reportCEN21LA249
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Date
2021-06-04
Location
Justin, TX, USA
Airport
3TX2
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N8208N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons based upon the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he and a passenger were to conduct three takeoffs and landings in preparation for the airplane to be sold. Immediately after the third takeoff, when the airplane was about 45 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a loss of power. The left wing dropped, and the airplane descended into trees. The left wing separated at the wing root during the accident sequence and the airplane came to rest suspended in the trees. The pilot stated that the airplane had not received an annual inspection in about 7 years and had not been flown much in recent years. A basic postaccident examination found that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. There was a smell of fuel at the accident site. The left fuel tank was intact and contained about 1 gallon of fuel. The right fuel tank was breached and did not contain any fuel. The fuel selector was positioned to the right tank. The pilot was contacted via email and phone on multiple occasions but did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1. The airplane was moved to private property and the NTSB was unable to examine the wreckage. Based on the limited available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Perform annual inspection and check fuel levels before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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