Pilot Debrief

Piper PA46 near Harrisburg, PA — 2019-10-04

Final reportERA20LA011
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Date
2019-10-04
Location
Harrisburg, PA, USA
Airport
MDT
Aircraft
Piper PA46
Registration
N4385K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined following a successful engine run.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was performing a visual approach for landing when the engine lost total power. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot performed a forced landing to a river. After recovery, the external engine components were dried, cleaned, and reinstalled (magnetos, fuel manifold), and the starter was replaced due to water immersion. The engine was then placed in a test cell where it started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption. Radar and on-board data revealed that the airplane experienced lateral g-forces in the turn to final and during its approach in a gusting crosswind, consistent with a slip. Although the airplane’s operating handbook cautioned against prolonged slips or skids or other “radical or extreme maneuvers which could cause uncovering of the fuel outlet,” whether the slip during the accident flight was sufficient to uncover the fuel port and result in the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Avoid prolonged slips or skids to prevent fuel flow interruption.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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