Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Santa Ana, CA — 2018-12-23

Final reportWPR19LA050
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Date
2018-12-23
Location
Santa Ana, CA, USA
Airport
KSNA
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N15321
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to a loose carburetor bowl.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff on the instructional flight, the engine lost total power. The flight instructor took the airplane controls and returned to the airport for a forced landing, during which the airplane landed hard on a taxiway, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination revealed that the carburetor bowl was loose and displayed evidence of a fuel leak. The leak likely resulted in fuel flow irregularities and the loss of engine power. Although service bulletins had been published by both the carburetor and engine manufacturer to address this issue, there was no evidence to suggest that the accident airplane had undergone the inspections specified by the service bulletins.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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