Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28-151 near Port Charlotte, FL — 2009-11-20

Final reportERA10LA070
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Date
2009-11-20
Location
Port Charlotte, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA28-151
Registration
N41765
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to the separation of the spark plug hole helicoil from the bottom position of the No. 3 cylinder for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight, the helicoil of the No. 3 cylinder bottom spark plug separated for undetermined reasons, resulting in the spark plug separating from the engine and the partial loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a clearing, but collided with trees short of his intended landing point. No determination was made as to when the helicoil was installed. The engine was overhauled about 17 years prior to the accident, and had accumulated approximately 2,142 hours at the time of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after hearing the loud 'pop' sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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