Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near Okeechobee, FL — 2021-04-29

Final reportERA21LA213
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Date
2021-04-29
Location
Okeechobee, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N271SG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

About 5,500 ft mean sea level during cruise flight, the engine began running rough and eventually lost all power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and turned on the fuel pump, but engine power was not restored. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the subsequent forced landing to a field. Postaccident examination and test run of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to the departure airport after engine began running rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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