Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-150 near Lopez, WA — 2011-01-09

Final reportWPR11LA095
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Date
2011-01-09
Location
Lopez, WA, USA
Airport
S31
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-150
Registration
N5850D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that, shortly after takeoff during the instructional flight, the airplane began to lose engine power. The instructor lowered the airplane’s nose and began a turn toward open terrain. About 90 degrees into the turn, the engine lost total power. The pilots tried unsuccessfully to resolve the problem by applying carburetor heat, changing throttle positions, and switching fuel tanks. The instructor performed a forced landing in a nearby field, and the airplane collided with thick vegetation during the landing roll. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded engine operation. The airplane was operating in conditions potentially conducive to carburetor icing at the time of the accident; however, this particular engine and its installation in this airframe is not known to be susceptible to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Consider carburetor icing risk before takeoff to prevent engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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