Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Streetman, TX — 2011-04-25

Final reportCEN11LA308
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Date
2011-04-25
Location
Streetman, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N6492J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The airplane’s inability to establish a climb for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a collision with trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and two passengers departed a private airstrip on a cross-country flight. Shortly after departure, the pilot perceived that the engine was not producing power. The pilot checked the throttle, mixture, and electric fuel pump; however, the airplane descended into trees near the runway. The pilot stated that he believed a windshear gust took lift from the airplane or that the engine lost compression or stopped producing power. He further stated that the engine was running, but it felt as if the throttle had been pulled off. A postcrash fire consumed much of the fuselage and thermally damaged the engine, which precluded a detailed examination of the ignition and fuel systems. The airplane impacted several trees during the accident. A small tree, about 4 inches in diameter, appeared to be sheared in two by the propeller. The marks and cuts at the accident site, as well as physical signatures on the propeller blades, were consistent with the engine producing power at the time of the accident. The reason for the airplane’s descent into the trees was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after initial climb if power loss was suspected.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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