Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32 near Cincinnati, OH — 2023-09-02

Final reportERA23LA362
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Date
2023-09-02
Location
Cincinnati, OH, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA32
Registration
N6868D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and three passengers departed on a local flight. After reaching a cruise altitude of 4,500 ft mean sea level, the engine started to lose power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and tried to restart the engine several times but was unsuccessful in those attempts. She tried to return to the departure airport but realized she would not be able to reach the runway and maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing into trees. The airplane subsequently collided with the trees and came to rest on its tail section, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the engine confirmed continuity of the drivetrain and powertrain, with compression observed in each cylinder. The ignition system appeared intact and there was no evidence observed of any fuel or oil leakage. The examination did not reveal evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to LUK sooner after initial engine sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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