Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near Atlantic City, NJ — 2014-03-04

Final reportERA14LA141
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Date
2014-03-04
Location
Atlantic City, NJ, USA
Airport
ACY
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N1449H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power at takeoff for reasons that could not be determined during a postaccident examination or engine test run.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that, before departure, he cleared "minor snow accumulation" from the bottom of the engine compartment. The pilot performed the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, run-up, and before takeoff checks in accordance with the applicable checklists. The engine accelerated normally during the takeoff roll with a "slight hesitation" at 2,200 to 2,300 rpm as the takeoff continued. When the airplane was at 70 knots and over the departure end of the runway, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. Rather than attempt to return to the runway or land straight ahead to wooded terrain, the pilot chose to perform a forced landing to the airport perimeter road. The airplane's left wing struck a tree and a fence and then separated from the airplane, and the airplane then impacted the road and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies, and, during a test run, the engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran without interruption through several rpm changes. The magnetos were tested and functioned as designed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have attempted a return to the runway after power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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