Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Marathon, FL — 2022-08-19

Final reportERA22LA378
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Date
2022-08-19
Location
Marathon, FL, USA
Airport
MTH
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N587FL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported the airplane was not climbing as he expected after takeoff. He elected to return to the airport when the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power. Unable to reach the airport, he performed a forced landing in the salt water near the shoreline. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed that the left magneto would produce spark intermittently. Three of the four spark plugs that connect to the left magneto would not produce spark. The electric fuel pump was found in the off position. The Pilot’s Operating Handbook states the electric fuel pump should be turned on for takeoff and landing. Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies, except for an intermittent left magneto and spark plugs; however, given that the airplane was submerged in salt water, it is likely that corrosion prevented the left magneto and four spark plugs from providing consistent spark during the postaccident examination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured electric fuel pump was ON before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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