Pilot Debrief

NANCHANG CHINA CJ-6A near Merrickville, NY — 2023-08-26

Final reportERA23LA351
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Date
2023-08-26
Location
Merrickville, NY, USA
Aircraft
NANCHANG CHINA CJ-6A
Registration
N114DZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during a cross-country flight, he chose to divert to a closer airport due to weather and air traffic control delays. About 40 nautical miles from the diversion airport, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful in restoring power and chose to conduct a forced landing into trees. The airplane impacted the trees and sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the left horizontal stabilizer. A video recorded by a witness near the accident site captured the sound of the engine cutting in and out before ultimately going silent, which was consistent with an additional witness report. Based upon fueling records and the pilot’s report of his fuel planning and the airplane’s fuel consumption rate, the airplane should have had about one hour of fuel remaining at the time of the loss of power. Due to the airplane damage, the total fuel quantity on board could not be established; however, the smell of fuel was present at the accident site. Examination of the engine found that a small piece of the intake duct work of a cylinder was missing. While having this piece missing could have resulted in under-performance of the engine or a partial loss of power, it is unlikely this would have resulted in a total loss of engine power. There were no other preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures found with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted earlier to ensure fuel reserves were adequate.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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