Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near San Carlos, CA — 2009-03-28

Final reportWPR09LA169
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Date
2009-03-28
Location
San Carlos, CA, USA
Airport
KSQL
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N9249W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just departed on a local visual flight rules (VFR) flight when the airplane's engine suddenly lost all power as it was about 100 to 150 feet above ground level. Because of the airplane's low altitude, once the pilot checked the position of the magnetos, fuel selector, and fuel pump, he focused his attention on finding a landing spot in the nearby rough swampy terrain. During the landing, the airplane's wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. A post-accident teardown inspection of the airframe, fuel system, air induction system, and the engine did not find any evidence of pre-accident anomalies or malfunctions.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine power loss at low altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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