Pilot Debrief

DIAMOND DA20 near Shelbyville, TN — 2009-04-11

Final reportERA09LA239
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Date
2009-04-11
Location
Shelbyville, TN, USA
Airport
SYI
Aircraft
DIAMOND DA20
Registration
N964CT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was practicing stop-and-go landings on runway 36 under the supervision of his flight instructor. Shortly after the fourth takeoff, a reduction in engine power was observed with the throttle in the full open position. The instructor took control of the airplane and attempted a left hand turn to land on runway 18. The engine did not regain full power and a forced landing was made on airport property, short of runway 18. The airplane collided with a drainage ditch during the landing and was substantially damaged. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of a pre-existing mechanical malfunction or failure. During a post-accident test run, the engine started normally and produced rated horsepower with no hesitation or interruption in power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have aborted the takeoff after the engine lost power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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