PIPER PA28 near Manassas, VA — 2022-11-21

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot and flight instructor were performing touch-and-go landings, and the airplane was on the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern when the engine lost total power. The flight instructor reported he heard a loud noise come from the engine before the power loss. The student pilot reported that he heard the engine sputter before the power loss. The flight instructor turned back to the airport, but the airplane could not glide to the runway. He landed the airplane hard in a grassy area, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical anomalies. Although there was a potential for carburetor icing at glide and cruise engine power settings given the reported temperature and dew point conditions, the engine was reportedly operating at full power when the power loss occurred. Thus, it is unlikely that the loss of engine power was due to carburetor icing. The investigation could not determine the reason for the loss of engine power based on the available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

The decision to continue the flight after the engine noise was heard.

NTSB coding

• Unknown or undetermined · Approach-VFR pattern crosswind

Evidence available

• Photos
• 10 docket documents

Docket documents10

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1 - FLIGHT INSTRUCTORform
• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1 - STUDENT PLOTform
• FAA INSPECTOR'S STATEMENTinterview
• MECHANIC STATEMENTinterview
• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD A�� TELEPHONE INTERVIEW, CFI PILOTinterview
• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD A�� TELEPHONE INTERVIEW, STUDENT PILOTinterview
• CARBURETOR ICING CHARTother
• MAINTENANCE RECORDSother
• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORDother
• INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOSphotos