Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 30 near Othello, WA — 2014-07-17

Final reportWPR14LA298
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Date
2014-07-17
Location
Othello, WA, USA
Airport
S70
Aircraft
PIPER PA 30
Registration
N7981Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot of the twin-engine airplane was preparing to take off for a cross-country flight. He reported that during the power up for takeoff, the left engine was at 2,200 rpm while the right engine was at 2,600 rpm. He leaned the mixture on the left engine to bring the rpm up to 2,600 and proceeded with the takeoff. After the takeoff roll, he started to climb the airplane and noted that the exhaust gas temperature on the left engine was much higher than on the right engine. The left engine rpm suddenly dropped to 2,000, and the airplane yawed to the left and started to descend. The pilot could not stop the yaw and descent, and the airplane impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that he should not have leaned the left engine for takeoff. A review of the left engine's logbook revealed a logbook entry about 4 months before the accident noting that the fuel flow divider, fuel servo, and turbo charger had been removed, repaired, and reinstalled. The entry also noted that a flow test was performed and that the engine was tested, checked for leaks, and returned to service. The airplane and engines were sold for salvage and were not available for examination; therefore, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have leaned the left engine for takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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