Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-19 near Palmer, AK — 2008-09-20

Final reportANC08LA126
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Date
2008-09-20
Location
Palmer, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-19
Registration
N3267Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that while on a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, he planned to fly over an off-airport site to inspect it before landing. After completing a low pass over the site, he advanced the throttle to climb, and all engine power was lost. The pilot selected an area of rough and uneven terrain at the departure end of the site as a forced landing area. During the forced landing, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. A nearby aviation weather reporting station reported atmospheric conditions suitable for carburetor icing, but the pilot stated in his written report to the NTSB that he used carburetor heat throughout the descent and approach to the site. A postaccident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector disclosed no evidence any preimpact mechanical problems.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided carburetor heat application during climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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