Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near De Smet, SD — 2013-06-21

Final reportCEN13LA367
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Date
2013-06-21
Location
De Smet, SD, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N589FL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine surged during cruise descent and was not developing sufficient power to maintain altitude. She reported that she performed the emergency checklist procedures, including applying carburetor heat, but that they were unsuccessful and that she then executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a ditch and a rock, which caused the left main landing gear to collapse and damaged the firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact anomalies with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel was found on board the airplane. The engine behavior was not indicative of carburetor ice. A test run confirmed the engine's ability to function, and no defects were noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land earlier when engine issues first occurred.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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